Digital agendas in Latin America, mostly in collaboration with the European Union, have driven around 20 initiatives that promote connectivity in Colombia, the implementation of 5G in Costa Rica and El Salvador, cybersecurity in the Dominican Republic, and support for Artificial Intelligence in Argentina
Additionally, the EU-LAC Digital Alliance is carrying out digital cooperation activities, such as the expansion of the BELLA cable, which connects Europe and Latin America through high-capacity, low-latency cables, and the creation of two Copernicus regional centers in Chile and Panama, focused on disaster risk reduction, climate change, and land and sea monitoring. This cable not only enhances connectivity between the two continents but also strengthens the response capacity in situations of high data demand
The case of Mexico is interesting, as the elected president, Claudia Scheinbaum, has a modern and progressive vision for the technology sector. According to her government plan, she will launch innovative initiatives in technology projection
The drive for these initiatives stems from the understanding of the potential of infrastructures like satellites to improve connectivity, as well as the need for new platforms at the service of the state. An example of this is the digitization of healthcare systems, promoting their public nature and avoiding privatization
Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile also have technological development plans, which could make Latin America a leading bloc. These plans include everything from expanding digital infrastructure to promoting research and development in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and 5G technology
The region must work diplomatically to form alliances with other Latin American and Caribbean countries to consolidate a bloc that drives the development of necessary technology. Creating a strong regional bloc will allow for more effective cooperation in research, development, and implementation of advanced technologies
This approach will enable the definition of a joint investment and cooperation project with an ambition and potential not seen in decades, where technology is a determining factor
It is time to concretize, reinforce, and accelerate digital development in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring that digital inclusion is the key piece in this transformative process
David Monarque Saenz
Director of Commercial Channels LATAM
