Investment and household spending are up from last year, while second-quarter activity slipped from the start of 2026. Economy grows from a year earlier Ecuador’s economy grew 2.1 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank. The year-over-year increase was […]

A review of municipal purchasing shows hospitals, medicines, water projects and nearly $40 million in private security spending. Nearly $11 million awarded each month Cuenca’s municipal government and its public companies have awarded approximately $433 million in contracts since the current administration took office on May 14th, 2023, providing a detailed picture of where the […]

Mining and services lead the rebound, although investment remains modest compared with Ecuador’s larger regional neighbors. Foreign investment jumps sharply Foreign direct investment in Ecuador reached approximately $715.5 million during the first half of 2026, more than double the amount recorded during the same period last year. Central Bank figures show foreign direct investment, or […]

The national toll has risen rapidly, with Esmeraldas bearing the heaviest damage and thousands of homes affected. Rain emergencies accelerate Heavy rains associated with Ecuador’s developing El Niño emergency have affected more than 13,000 people since the government declared a nationwide red alert on August 29th, with the number of reported rain-related events rising sharply […]

Industrial restrictions deepen as Mazar approaches its critical level and engineers warn household cuts may be next. Power restrictions escalate again What began as a voluntary effort to conserve electricity has escalated rapidly, with Ecuador’s largest industrial users disconnected from the national grid for up to 72 hours and more than 9,000 businesses now facing […]

One fugitive was recaptured the next day, while authorities examine how inmates breached Cuenca’s maximum-security prison. Escape from Cuenca’s maximum-security prison Two prisoners escaped from Cuenca’s Turi prison on September 28th, triggering a security operation, the detention of four police officers for investigation and renewed questions about how inmates were able to breach the perimeter […]