Cubas government has called for a fresh approach to 2026, with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz urging ministers to accelerate reforms and translate recent approvals into measurable economic results. Speaking at the final Council of Ministers meeting of the year, chaired by President Miguel D EDaz-Canel Berm FAdez, Marrero Cruz said the country must build on regulatory advances to boost production, exports and foreign investment.
Cuba 2026 economic plan priorities and measures
The prime minister said Cuba faces challenges similar to those of 2025 but now has a legal and regulatory base that can be used to unblock processes and integrate all economic actors. “We have the material to do more in 2026,” he told the executive body, adding that decisions have been taken to let ministries and territories work differently and pursue significant transformations that improve economic outcomes.
Key priorities include identifying and removing obstacles to production, widening flexibility so state and non-state producers can increase output, and finding ways to raise foreign currency income. Marrero Cruz highlighted a planned review of organisational structures and staff complements across territories and central state bodies to align them with current demographic and economic realities.
Energy security and targeted protection
In response to recurring electrical system strains, the Council approved Ministry of Energy and Mines proposals to protect vital economic objectives. While work continues on restoring thermal capacity, expanding distributed generation and building photovoltaic parks nationwide, the government will immediately safeguard energy to sectors that deliver real economic outputs, notably agriculture and export activities.
Officials framed these measures as essential to revive activity that has been largely paralysed by power shortfalls and to give production the certainty it needs to recover.
Local leadership and investment drive
Marrero Cruz placed strong emphasis on provincial performance, warning that six provinces currently show no projection to export despite local potential. To strengthen local governance, all provinces will be placed under the supervision of a vice‑prime minister, who will pay closer attention to municipalities identified for differentiated support. The aim is to restructure local cadres and administrations so approved strategies are fully implemented and territorial potential is harnessed for development.
The government also stressed the importance of changing perceptions about foreign direct investment and exports so that enterprises at every level see them as opportunities. A set of policies designed to facilitate and incentivise foreign investment has been approved, and officials want all organisations to treat those policies as prospects for growth.
Education, food security and implementation
The Council approved continuity plans for secondary and higher education to guarantee pathways from ninth grade to technical and pre‑university options and from pre‑university into higher education. President D EDaz-Canel called for incentives to encourage more students to pursue university study, including flexible routes for those facing economic constraints.
On food sovereignty and nutrition, a national commission reported insufficient agricultural outputs in eggs, pork, milk and beef, and stressed weak linkage between production programmes and scientific centres. The commission proposed around 20 priority actions for next year to strengthen oversight, pricing application and reduce losses and waste.
The government is processing nearly 58,300 proposals gathered during consultations on the Government Programme and aims to move quickly from discussion to implementation. Marrero Cruz warned that dedication and long hours will not suffice if they are not rewarded with tangible results, urging an updated system of work to deliver outcomes in 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- The Cuban government has launched a Cuba 2026 economic plan focused on regulatory reforms, production increases and export promotion.
- Authorities will prioritise energy supply to vital economic sectors and accelerate foreign investment incentives.
- Provinces and municipalities receive renewed responsibility, with vice‑prime ministers assigned to oversee provincial development.
- Education continuity and food security laws are being revised to support workforce needs and strengthen domestic agriculture.
