Milei's Privatization Program Accumulates USD 1.081 Billion Awaiting AySA
The privatization program promoted by the government of Javier Milei has accumulated operations worth USD 1.081 billion, including asset sales and concessions. The opening of bids for Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos (AySA), initially scheduled for August 27, was postponed to September 15 at the request of interested international companies.
The State seeks to transfer 90% of AySA, while the remaining 10% stays in the hands of workers. The scheme contemplates the transfer of at least 51% to a strategic operator with experience in water and sanitation services, and the eventual placement of the remainder in capital markets. The contract would have a duration of 30 years, with a possible extension of 10, and would include investments of USD 1.940 billion during the first five years and USD 15.040 billion throughout the concession period.
The Government estimates it could obtain around USD 500 million, although the bidding documents do not establish a minimum price. Groups linked to the process include Grupo Roggio, Mauricio Filiberti, Sabesp, and Águas do Rio. Aguas Andinas was also mentioned, although it would not be submitting a proposal.
Completed Sales and Concessions
The first operation was the sale of IMPSA to ARC Energy in January 2025 for USD 27 million. Subsequently, the hydroelectric facilities Alicurá, Piedra del Águila, El Chocón-Arroyito, and Cerros Colorados were awarded for USD 700 million. In April 2026, Genneia and Edison Energía acquired Citelec, which controls Transener, for USD 356 million.
The process also included the concession of the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway to the Jan de Nul-Servimagnus consortium for 25 years, with a possible extension of five. Additionally, eight sections of national highways were awarded for 20 years, adding to previous stages and exceeding 9,000 kilometers under concession.
Among the processes that yielded no results was the Intercargo tender, declared void after three postponements due to lack of valid bids. The base price had been set at USD 45.1 million. Following that outcome, the Government authorized private companies to provide ground handling services at airports nationwide and removed Intercargo from Río Gallegos and Comodoro Rivadavia. The Belgrano Cargas file, meanwhile, continues to experience delays and recently advanced with the publication of bidding documents for its concession.