Central Bank of Cuba details emergency measures including solar power investments and expanded digital payments to sustain banking services

The Central Bank of Cuba published an update summarising remarks by its minister-president, Juana Lilia Delgado Portal, on the Mesa Redonda television programme on 9 February 2026, setting out emergency steps across the banking and financial system to keep core services operating and prioritise retail transactions under current constraints. Measures include raising branches’ energy self-sufficiency through ongoing investments, with some offices already operating photovoltaic systems, and adjusting opening hours where no alternative power support is available. Core services such as pension payments, salary payments, deposits and cash withdrawals are being maintained, while customers are being encouraged to use the Ticket application to book service slots and withdraw cash at designated locations as the tool expands to more branches. The update also calls for greater use of digital payment channels and remote banking by households, businesses and legal entities, alongside continued work on infrastructure and procedures. On financing and external operations, the banking system is providing credit facilities to acquire photovoltaic systems, with almost 2,000 workers in strategic sectors reported as having benefited. Foreign exchange market services are continuing through CADECA and bank branches, and international payments are being prioritised through existing mechanisms to allocate foreign currency to imports of fuel, medicines, food and key production inputs, as well as to support food production and exports; banks will keep clients informed where operating hours for international services are adjusted. The update also highlights the need to strengthen internal controls to prevent fraudulent use of the financial system.