Is change in the air in Cuba? The country delegates responsibilities to private businesses

Cuba adopted an economic reform plan on 12 June 2026, which was approved by parliament in just six days. Travel expert Jaak Nilson explains why this speed is extraordinary in Cuba's context and what the country's decision to transfer previously state-held responsibilities to private businesses means.

Cuba is moving toward an economic reform that stands out both for its speed and scope. Jaak Nilson, a travel expert who has long monitored Cuba's economic and political situation, explains what changes are underway on the island.

On 12 June 2026, the Cuban government unveiled an economic reform plan. Just six days later, parliament approved the plan along with detailed legislation. In the context of Cuban political culture, such a pace is extremely rare.

Private enterprise takes on a new role

One of the key features of the reform is that the state has begun transferring certain responsibilities to private businesses. This means that in an economic space known for state control, private entrepreneurs now have greater responsibility and room to operate.

According to Nilson, the speed of these steps signals that Cuba's leadership recognises the need for change and that pressure for reforms has grown both internally and from outside. However, it is too early to assess how far the reforms will actually go.

What makes this reform historic in Nilson's view, he promises to explain in a follow-up article appearing soon.