Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos -OEI-

What Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos -OEI- does

The Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI) is an intergovernmental organization of 23 Ibero-American states founded in 1949 and headquartered at Calle Bravo Murillo 38, Madrid, Spain. OEI coordinates regional cooperation in education, science, technology, and culture, and operates through a network of 20 country offices covering all 23 member states (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Spain). The organization is led by Secretary General Mariano Jabonero (in office since July 1, 2018) and is governed by a Directive Council of member-state representatives. OEI claims the largest territorial presence of any multilateral organization in Iberoamerica.

OEI's core products and programs include the Instituto de Formación OEI (a virtual learning management system and MOOC platform at aula-virtual.oei.int and aula-virtual-mooc.oei.int, offering courses, on-demand training, scholarships, and virtual classrooms), the Observatorio Iberoamericano de la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Sociedad (OCTS, established 2008 for strategic S&T studies), the Premio Iberoamericano de Educación en Derechos Humanos 'Óscar Arnulfo Romero', the Premio Cervantes Chico Iberoamericano, the Programa de Rutas e Itinerarios Culturales Iberoamericanos (PRICI), Escuelas de Frontera España-Portugal, Escuelas Ubuntu LATAM, Luces para Aprender, peer-reviewed journals (Revista Iberoamericana de Educación, Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad), and the OEI Podcast. An emerging digital initiative, project COT/ECU/005/2026 in Ecuador, is developing a digital application with AI-assisted modules for educational innovation management.

OEI's business model is that of a publicly funded intergovernmental organization rather than a commercial enterprise. Revenue is derived from mandatory contributions by the 23 member states, plus project-based funding from multilateral partners including the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the European Union, and bilateral cooperation agencies such as AECID. Pricing for end users (educators, students, families, administrations) is freemium: all educational and cultural resources are provided free of charge. Distribution is hybrid: 20 country offices handle direct government and ministry relations, while the virtual training platforms and self-serve digital channels deliver programs at scale to end users across the region. OEI reports 251–500 employees, and the organization was operating as of the most recent disclosed period.

Name

Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos -OEI-

Legal name

Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura

Website

https://oei.int

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

OEI is the intergovernmental organization of 23 Ibero-American states coordinating cooperation in education, science, technology, and culture. It operates through 20 country offices, a virtual training institute (Instituto de Formación OEI), and multilateral programs funded by member states and development partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Development Cooperation

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Official Development Assistance (ODA) Program Management (BPADAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Open Courseware & Course Modules (OCW) (EDAGAJAB), Open Educational Resources (OER) & Open Access Academic Publishing (MPAJABAG)

Keywords

• Intergovernmental cooperation
• Education programs
• Cultural cooperation
• Multilateral development
• Teacher training

Headquarters

HQ city

Humanes De Madrid

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices20 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government and multilateral funding: OEI operates primarily through contributions from its 23 member countries and multilateral cooperation agreements with development banks (IDB, World Bank), the European Union, and bilateral cooperation agencies such as AECID (Spain)
2. Technical cooperation projects: Implementation of development projects funded by external donors and partner governments, providing technical assistance in education, science, culture, and technology across member countries

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

OEI is an intergovernmental organization that delivers multilateral cooperation programs in education, science, technology, and culture across its 23 Ibero-American member countries. It operates training platforms, scholarships, cultural routes, and academic mobility programs, and coordinates regional policy frameworks through bilateral and multilateral agreements with ministries of education and culture.

Product overview

Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos (OEI) operates as an intergovernmental organization offering a portfolio of educational, scientific, cultural, and cooperation programs rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include: the Instituto de Formación OEI (online training platform with courses, scholarships, and virtual classrooms), the Premio Iberoamericano de Educación en Derechos Humanos 'Óscar Arnulfo Romero' (human rights education award), the Programa de Rutas e Itinerarios Culturales Iberoamericanos (cultural routes program), and the Observatorio Iberoamericano de la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Sociedad (science and technology observatory). Supporting programs include the Premio Cervantes Chico Iberoamericano (children's literature award), Luces para Aprender (rural education initiative), Escuelas de Frontera (border school integration), Iberoamérica en Democracia (democracy promotion), multiple academic journals (Revista Iberoamericana de Educación, Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad), the OEI Podcast, the Premio VIVALECTURA (reading promotion), and Escuelas Ubuntu LATAM (youth leadership). Additionally, OEI provides public tenders, grants, and subsidies for regional projects. The organization has 23 member countries with offices in 20 nations across Latin America and Spain.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Instituto de Formación OEI: Training institute offering online courses, on-demand training, scholarships, and virtual classroom services
• Premio Iberoamericano de Educación en Derechos Humanos 'Óscar Arnulfo Romero'
• Programa de Rutas e Itinerarios Culturales Iberoamericanos
• Observatorio Iberoamericano de la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Sociedad
• Escuelas de Frontera
• Iberoamérica en Democracia

Products and services

• Instituto de Formación OEI Provides online courses, on-demand training, scholarships, and virtual classroom services through the Aula Virtual platform (aula-virtual.oei.int and aula-virtual-mooc.oei.int) for vocational and professional development of educators and professionals across Latin America and Spain.
• Premio Iberoamericano de Educación en Derechos Humanos 'Óscar Arnulfo Romero' Award program recognizing individuals and organizations that exemplify the defense and promotion of human rights through education across the Ibero-American region.
• Programa de Rutas e Itinerarios Culturales Iberoamericanos (PRICI) Regional cultural cooperation program establishing certified cultural routes and itineraries across Iberoamerica, promoting sustainable tourism and intercultural exchange among communities.
• Observatorio Iberoamericano de la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Sociedad (OCTS) Observatory established in 2008 to develop strategic studies in science, technology, and society, focusing on information gathering, processing, and dissemination across Iberoamerica.
• Premio Cervantes Chico Iberoamericano de Literatura Infantil y Juvenil Prestigious literary award created in alliance with the Alcalá de Henares City Council, recognizing outstanding creators in children's and young adult literature with a special Ibero-American mention.
• Luces para Aprender Initiative bringing light and technology to remote schools in Latin America, featuring educational resources including the film 'Bienvenidos' by Javier Fesser and companion educational materials.
• Escuelas de Frontera España-Portugal Program fostering integration of students and teachers in border zones between Spain and Portugal through bilingualism and interculturality experiences.
• Iberoamérica en Democracia Initiative addressing contemporary challenges of democracy in Iberoamerica, promoting reflection on ethical and civic values, citizen participation, intergenerational dialogue, and regional governance solutions.
• Revista Iberoamericana de Educación Peer-reviewed academic journal published by OEI covering educational research, teacher training, and educational policies in the Ibero-American region, indexed in major repositories.
• Escuelas Ubuntu LATAM Leadership development program for youth (ages 14-18) based on Ubuntu principles (self-knowledge, self-confidence, resilience, empathy, service), developed in partnership with Ubuntu LATAM Academies and IPAV.
• Premio VIVALECTURA Reading promotion award initiative coordinated by OEI Argentina with support from Santillana Foundation, celebrating best practices in reading in educational and social settings.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 122 million students served across 23 countries through COVID-19 response educational resources
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered major, notable, core and supporting.

• medicusmundimajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2026Convenio signed to promote training, research, and international cooperation in Iberoamerica. Focus on health-related educational initiatives.
• Magnum PhotosnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 June 2026Launch of 'Aprender Transforma' alliance to document the impact of cooperation in Iberoamerica through photography.
• The Conversation EspañamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2026Alliance to promote scientific dissemination across Iberoamerica, leveraging The Conversation's journalism platform.
• Ministerio de Educación de Chile (MINEDUC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing cooperation agreement for teacher training programs for CFTs Estatales (Technical-Professional Education Centers).
• Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez (Chile)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on teacher training extension programs through their center of extension studies.
• Universidad de AlcalámajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFour-year cooperation agreement for joint programs in education, science, culture, and social development across the Ibero-American community.
• Ayuntamiento de Alcalá de HenaresmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiatives including the Premio Cervantes Chico Iberoamericano and El Quinto Quijote educational literary project.
• Fundación SantillanamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration agreement supporting the Premio Vivalectura (17th edition), promoting reading practices in educational settings.
• Secretaría General Iberoamericana (SEGIB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organization of Ibero-American Summits and specialized forums on education, science, and innovation.
• Consejo Universitario Iberoamericano (CUIB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on higher education forums and institutional cooperation in the Ibero-American Knowledge Space.
• Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerBilateral cooperation agency supporting OEI programs and projects across Iberoamerica.
• Academia de Líderes Ubuntu (ALU)notableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Schools Ubuntu LATAM project, developing personal, social, and civic skills in youth through leadership training.
• IPAV (Instituto Paulo Freire)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation for Ubuntu LATAM schools project focused on social-emotional development.
• Universidad Libre de ColombiasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport for Ubuntu schools pilot project in Cúcuta, Colombia.
• Ministerio de Capital Humano (Argentina)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiator of Premio Vivalectura, coordinated by OEI Argentina with Santillana Foundation support.
• Universidad Alfonso X (UAX)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartial scholarship program (50% discount) for master's degrees offered to OEI stakeholders in Brazil.
• Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC) - Costa RicasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInter-institutional collaboration for Environmental Educational Laboratory project at La Chiripa Municipal Farm.
• Casa de SM el Rey (Spanish Royal Household)notableGTM or Marketing PartnerRoyal support for OEI's 70th anniversary celebrations and commitment to Iberoamerica.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is the most direct functional peer: it is the global IGO for education, science, and culture, operating overlapping programs (teacher training, OER, cultural heritage) targeting member states. OEI's Iberoamerican mandate is essentially a regional specialization of UNESCO's broader mission.
• Secretaría General Iberoamericana (SEGIB): SEGIB is the operational secretariat of the Iberoamerican Summits and directly co-organizes OEI's higher-education forums and summits. Both organizations serve the same 22 Iberoamerican states plus associated countries, share headquarters in Madrid, and run parallel cooperation mandates—effectively sibling institutions in the same policy ecosystem.
• UNICEF Latin America and the Caribbean: UNICEF LAC runs comparable education, early-childhood development, and adolescent skills programs across the same 23 Iberoamerican geographies that OEI serves (notably via IIPI for early childhood and Ubuntu-style youth leadership). It shares donor bases and government partners with OEI and competes for ministry-of-education contracts in the same region.
• Campus Iberoamericano / Iberoamerican University Council (CUIB): CUIB is the Iberoamerican university-council body with which OEI co-organizes higher-education forums and academic mobility programs. It is a direct counterpart in tertiary-education cooperation and shares OEI's institutional footprint in the Espacio Iberoamericano del Conocimiento.

Broad incumbents

• AECID - Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo: AECID is the Spanish bilateral ODA agency and one of OEI's largest financing partners. While AECID operates more broadly across sectors and globally, it executes many of the same education, science, and culture cooperation programs in Iberoamerica that OEI implements and shares overlapping service lines.
• Inter-American Development Bank (IDB): IDB is a co-funder of OEI's education projects and operates broader education-sector lending and policy advisory operations across Latin America and the Caribbean. Comparability rests on shared investment in teacher training, vocational education, and education-system reform programs in OEI's core region.
• World Bank Education Global Practice: World Bank co-funds OEI projects and runs parallel government-facing programs in basic education, literacy, mathematics, and tertiary education with the same Iberoamerican ministries. It is a comparable funder-implementer of education ODA in the region, though at greater scale and budget.
• Organization of American States (OAS): OAS is the broader inter-American governmental organization serving most of the same Western Hemisphere countries as OEI (minus Iberian states plus several Caribbean/NA members). It runs overlapping programs on democracy, education, and culture—particularly through IIDE and Inter-American Council for Integral Development—placing it as a regional incumbent in adjacent mandates.
• European Union – DG INTPA / Global Gateway: The EU is a major external funder of OEI's programs (e.g., UE–OEI construction-worker upskilling in Paraguay) and a strategic donor in LAC education cooperation. Comparability arises from joint funding of technical-professional education, scholarships, and capacity-building projects across Iberoamerica via instruments such as Erasmus+ and EUROsociAL.

Emerging players

• CABE (Center for the Advancement of Black Engineers) / Ubuntu Academy network: The Ubuntu Academy network (ALU/Academia de Líderes Ubuntu and IPAV partner) supplies the curriculum and trainer pipeline for OEI's Escuelas Ubuntu LATAM youth-leadership program. It is an emerging niche player whose social-emotional learning content OEI co-distributes at regional scale across Iberoamerican schools.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EspacioOEI
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/oei/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/Paginaoei
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/organizacion-de-estados-iberoamericanos-oei
• Instagraminstagram.com/oeidigital

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos -OEI-