Meeting with Haccof on a Framework for Mobilizing Haitian Diaspora Investment

The meeting focused on establishing an institutional framework to channel Haitian diaspora capital into Haiti through structured partnerships between AmCham Haiti, HACCOF, and Profin/Profinbank. Participants reviewed prior diaspora-led investment efforts, including a private Saint Louis Gonzague network that successfully pooled approximately $5 million. The discussion centered on scaling this institution-to-institution model through pilot initiatives and structured informational outreach.

A key portion of the discussion addressed U.S. legal and compliance considerations related to diaspora investment solicitation. Profin reported ongoing work with U.S. legal counsel to obtain regulatory exemptions allowing engagement with accredited investors, with the longer-term objective of expanding access to retail diaspora investors. Pending regulatory clearance, Profin proposed a compliant interim strategy built around informational webinars and reverse-solicitation channels. The group agreed to organize a series of chamber-hosted educational sessions highlighting Haitian investment opportunities, including presentations from vetted companies and existing Profin clients, with coordinated follow-up mechanisms for interested participants.

Participants also emphasized the importance of mobilizing diaspora entrepreneurship beyond traditional investor networks. The group noted the scale of diaspora-owned businesses operating throughout the Caribbean and the frequent movement of entrepreneurs between regional hubs and Haiti. There was consensus on the need to incorporate unaffiliated diaspora entrepreneurs into chamber ecosystems to unlock capital flows, particularly for projects in northern Haiti.