Panama’s foreign direct investment plunged 63% in 2025, underscoring concerns about governance, inequality, and weak institutional performance. The drop raises fresh questions about whether the country can turn its strategic advantages into sustained growth.
Colón beat Bocas del Toro 1-0 to force the semifinal back to Changuinola, staying alive in the 2026 Campeonato Nacional de Béisbol Mayor. Jhadiel Santamaría drove in the only run, while Harold Araúz tossed a complete-game shutout.
The National Lottery of Panama published the Lotto and Pega 3 results for the April 18, 2026 drawing. Attention now shifts to the next scheduled draw.
Panama’s ITBI is back in the spotlight as real estate sector critics question how the 2% transfer tax is applied and who should pay it. The debate is also raising concerns about the effect of removing exemptions on a weak property market.
Norman Simmons captured gold in the men’s 90-kilogram boxing division, giving Panama its third gold medal at the South American Youth Games. His win adds to a strong host-nation performance that also includes titles in wrestling.
The Remenditos project in Panama is helping inmates advance their resocialization through a program built around work, hope, and second chances. Participants say it has changed their lives and their outlook on reintegration.
A regional sports roundup included Panama City in coverage of the South American Youth Games and noted boxing performances in Panama. The mention highlights the country’s role in regional youth sports and athletic development.
A 23-acre farmland parcel in Penonomé, Coclé, is being marketed after a $10,000 price cut. The property is positioned in Panama’s agricultural heartland and is being promoted to buyers interested in rural land.
Panama has resumed yellowfin tuna exports to the United States after 26 years, opening a new opportunity for the country’s fishing sector. The move could boost export earnings and strengthen Panama’s seafood trade.
Thousands of students visited a career fair at Ciudad del Saber in Panama to explore study and work options. The event underscored the value of career guidance for young people planning their next steps.
Oil and gas tankers are crowding the Panama Canal as the Middle East war reshapes global energy routes. The surge highlights Panama’s role as a strategic shortcut for LNG and other fuel shipments.
Panama Canal delays of about two and a half days are fueling attention on a $4 million priority fee that lets some vessels jump the queue. The congestion underscores the canal’s outsized role in global shipping and the high value of faster passage.
Capac Expo Hábitat 2026 opened in Panama with more than 300 housing projects on display, highlighting the strength of the country’s real estate sector. The annual fair remains a major showcase for private development and construction activity.
Davivienda is strengthening its mortgage strategy in Panama, signaling a push to attract home buyers with more competitive financing. The move highlights the importance of housing credit in the country’s banking and real estate markets.
Panama has opened its first cyber monitoring center as part of a broader effort to respond to hacking threats. The new initiative underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity for government and private-sector operations.
Ángela Russo has been elected Panama’s Ombudsperson for 2026-2031 after a tense Assembly vote shaped by shifting political alliances. The result puts a key human-rights institution under new leadership amid broader legislative maneuvering.
Tomato prices are rising in Panama City’s San Felipe Neri market as fuel costs increase the expense of transporting produce. The change is putting more pressure on household budgets and local vendors.
Municipalities in Panama are increasingly partnering with private companies to fund education, culture, and public-space projects. The model is gaining importance as local governments look for ways to expand community services and social impact.
A student’s body was found in Ngäbe Buglé after he was swept away by a river, deepening concern after a similar incident days earlier. The tragedy highlights the danger of fast-moving waterways in rural communities.
Merchants at Merca Panamá expect some product prices to ease after cargo transport was added to the fuel subsidy. The move could lower logistics costs and eventually benefit consumers.