The infrastructure sector in Brazil in 2025 presents a promising scenario, full of investment and development opportunities in multiple segments. Infrastructure projects for the year include concessions, privatizations, and PPPs with an estimated potential to generate over USD 43.56 billion in investments. These figures reflect a positive trend, highlighted by the growing participation of the private sector in recent years.
A study prepared by the Brazilian Association of Infrastructure and Basic Industries (ABDIB) shows the evolution of public and private investments in Brazilian infrastructure, with constant and increasing values since 2020. Only in 2024, the largest share of these funds came from the private sector (USD 34.34 billion), reaffirming its leadership in the field. These figures underscore the importance of concessions and PPPs in the current context and suggest a favorable scenario for further progress in 2025.
Key Sectors
Sanitation
One of the most dynamic sectors is basic sanitation, driven by the new regulatory framework, which has increased attractiveness for private capital. In 2025, water and sewage concession auctions are scheduled in 13 Brazilian states. Data from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) indicate that more than 20 projects will be put out to tender, aiming to expand coverage and improve the quality of sanitation services.
The auctions are expected to attract USD 13.41 billion in investments in 2025 alone, with highlights including:
- Water distribution and sewage concession project in the state of Pernambuco. The public notice is expected to be published in the third quarter of 2025, with estimated investment of USD 3.6699 billion;
- Concession project for public water supply and sewage services, including operational management, in the state of Rondônia. The notice is also scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, with estimated investment of USD 956.9 million;
- PPP for sewage services throughout the state of Goiás. The announcement is expected to be published in the fourth quarter of 2025, with estimated investment of USD 1.0583 billion.
Highways
In the highway sector, the Ministry of Transport has 15 auctions scheduled. These projects are a crucial opportunity to strengthen national logistics, directly impacting the economy and promoting greater regional integration. According to the Federal Government, this is the largest concessions pipeline in history. Investments in Brazil’s transport infrastructure are expected to total around USD 28.05 billion.
Highlights include:
- Concession for the operation, rehabilitation, maintenance, and expansion of transport infrastructure, with toll collection, in Block 2 of Rio Grande do Sul state, totaling 414.9 km. The public notice is expected in the third quarter of 2025, with an estimated investment of USD 1.2891 billion;
- Concession for the Paraná Integrated Highways System (PRVias) – Lot 4. The public notice is expected in the first quarter of 2025, with investments of around USD 1.9 billion.
Railways
The railway sector plays a strategic role in the energy transition, contributing to decarbonization. In 2025, significant progress is expected, such as the structuring of the National Railway Plan by the Ministry of Transport.
This plan provides for the concession of five major railway projects to the private sector:
- East-West Corridor, approximately 2,400 kilometers long;
- Extension of the North-South Railway, with 477 kilometers;
- Southeast Railway Ring, with a route of about 300 kilometers;
- Transnordestina, with more than 600 kilometers of track;
- Ferrogrão, extending 933 kilometers.
Under the National Railway Plan, the federal government will cover 20% to 30% of the investments, depending on the network, to enable project progress. In total, nearly 5,000 kilometers of new railways and approximately USD 17.42 billion in investments are planned.
Airports
In aviation, the Regional Airport Modernization Program, led by the Federal Government, aims to promote the development of regional aviation in Brazil. In 2025, investments of USD 871.08 million from the private sector are expected.
A key project is the auction of around 50 regional airports in the Legal Amazon and Northeast regions, covering several states and contributing to regional integration and economic development. The goal is to improve airport infrastructure and ensure greater connectivity to regions less served by commercial aviation, strengthening air transport as a key axis of mobility. The public notice is expected between March and April, with contracts signed in the first half of 2025.
Ports
In the port sector, the 2023–2026 period is expected to see the largest volume of investments in the area. The Federal Government has already indicated that ports are among its top economic development priorities, with investments exceeding USD 3.598 billion in the last two years. For 2025, the government agenda includes the concession of 21 port projects in four regions of the country.
Highlights include:
- Concession of a public port access channel in the Port of Paranaguá. The public notice is expected in the first half of 2025, with expected investments of over USD 174.21 million;
- Concession of a general cargo terminal in the Port of São Sebastião/SP. With investments of USD 94.89 million, the public notice is also expected in the first half of 2025.
In 2026, at least 21 new ventures are anticipated, including 17 port area leases and four channel concessions.
Brazilian outlook for 2025
The year 2025 presents itself as a strategic year for the infrastructure sector in Brazil, marked by a favorable environment for investment and growth. With significant opportunities in areas such as sanitation, highways, railways, airports, and ports, the country shows strong potential to advance in essential projects for economic and social development.
The partnership between the public and private sectors, demonstrated through concessions and PPPs, will continue to be fundamental in driving the modernization and expansion of national infrastructure, consolidating Brazil as an attractive hub for investors.
The Infrastructure team at Rolim Goulart Cardoso is available for further information and assistance regarding this topic.
