Mexico City — Mercado Libre announced a record $4.6 billion investment in Mexico for 2026, a 35% increase over last year and the largest annual commitment by the company in the country.
The announcement was made during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference at the National Palace. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón highlighted that the investment will impact 19 states, including Mexico City, and aligns with the government’s Plan Mexico initiative to boost digital commerce for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Pedro Rivas, vice president and general manager of Mercado Pago, said the funds will be allocated to five main areas: technology development, logistics expansion, financial services growth, brand strengthening, and job creation. The investment aims to enhance Mercado Libre’s e-commerce ecosystem and Mercado Pago’s digital financial solutions, providing tools for entrepreneurs and SMEs to sell, collect payments, obtain financing, and grow.
Rivas noted that Mercado Pago is one of the most downloaded financial apps in Mexico, with over one million active point-of-sale terminals, primarily in small businesses.
8,500 New Jobs
As part of its expansion, Mercado Libre expects to create 8,500 additional jobs in Mexico during 2026, mainly in logistics operations, corporate areas, and its Mercado Libre and Mercado Pago divisions. The company currently employs more than 36,000 people directly in Mexico and projects surpassing 42,000 by the end of the year.
Rivas said these jobs represent opportunities for thousands of families, with some being first-time formal employment and others offering career paths in the digital economy.
Focus on SMEs, Logistics, and Financial Services
Mercado Libre reported that over one million SMEs already use its platform to sell and grow. The company operates in all 32 Mexican states and has a logistics network enabling same-day delivery in 37 cities. Mercado Pago has issued more than 2.5 million loans to entrepreneurs and merchants.
Rivas emphasized that digitalization is key to expanding financial inclusion in Mexico. The company is also progressing in its application for a banking license.
The investment underscores Mexico’s strategic importance for Mercado Libre in Latin America, aiming to accelerate e-commerce, expand logistics infrastructure, and enable more Mexican businesses to participate in the digital economy.
Discover more from Riviera Maya News & Events
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
