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Colombia is rapidly emerging as a strategic hub for artificial intelligence in Latin America, driven by a government-led commitment to technological transformation and inclusive economic growth. With the formal adoption of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy (CONPES 4144) in February 2025, the country has laid the foundation for responsible and sustainable AI adoption, backed by a substantial investment plan of COP 479 billion (approx. USD 115.9 million) through 2030. As per David Gomes, Manager – IT, this policy marks a pivotal shift in Colombia’s digital agenda, aiming to position the country as a key player in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4RI) by fostering innovation, ethical governance, and cross-sectoral AI integration.
At the heart of this initiative is a six-pillar framework that addresses both enablers and inhibitors of AI adoption. These pillars include ethics and governance, data and infrastructure, research and innovation (R&D+i), digital talent development, risk mitigation, and real-world AI application. Colombia’s proactive move to embed ethical guidelines into AI development sets a benchmark in Latin America. Through the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce, annual reports on AI-related data privacy risks will be published from 2026, ensuring accountability and transparency in line with international best practices.
One of the policy's key objectives is to overcome long-standing barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, low digital culture, and workforce skill gaps—particularly in rural and underserved regions. Through strategic investment in broadband expansion, cloud infrastructure, and national AI research centers, Colombia aims to democratize access to advanced technologies. These infrastructure developments will be complemented by vocational training and STEM-focused educational reforms designed to equip the future workforce with AI competencies, supporting the country's human capital transformation.
The AI strategy also emphasizes public-private partnerships and international collaboration. By incentivizing co-financing arrangements and offering tax incentives for AI-driven projects, Colombia seeks to attract foreign investment and catalyze local innovation. Companies like Rappi, a homegrown tech unicorn, and Ruta N, Medellín’s innovation and business center, are already championing AI use cases in logistics, customer service automation, and predictive analytics, setting real-world examples of how AI is transforming business models. These partnerships not only validate the policy’s feasibility but also create a ripple effect for startups and MSMEs seeking entry into AI-enabled markets.
Colombia’s ambition is clearly reflected in its commitment to improving its position in global indices such as the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 and Global AI Index 2024, where the nation currently trails behind regional leaders. Closing this gap requires more than infrastructure; it demands trust, governance, and inclusive innovation. Hence, the policy includes 106 strategic actions, including the development of AI ethics councils, cross-sectoral regulatory sandboxes, and initiatives focused on social impact applications like food security, healthcare diagnostics, and smart governance.
The AI policy’s emphasis on responsible innovation is not just philosophical but also practical. By tackling risks related to algorithmic bias, cybersecurity, and labor market disruption head-on, Colombia’s policymakers are preparing to future-proof its economy against potential AI misuse. For instance, the country’s plan to create national datasets for sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture enables the development of localized AI applications without compromising data privacy or fairness.
While the road ahead presents challenges—particularly in regulatory enforcement and regional disparities—the policy’s phased implementation plan offers flexibility and adaptability. The successful rollout will depend heavily on effective inter-agency coordination and the capacity of local governments to translate policy into impact. The opportunity, however, is enormous. As per the author’s analysis, effective AI deployment could contribute an estimated 1.2–1.5% to Colombia’s GDP growth annually by 2030, especially if supported by aligned fiscal policies and international funding.
In summary, Colombia’s AI strategy is not merely a technology policy—it is an economic and social blueprint. By prioritizing ethical governance, infrastructure investment, and human development, Colombia is poised to lead the region in responsible AI innovation. For executives, policymakers, and investors looking to engage with an emerging digital economy grounded in inclusion and resilience, Colombia offers a compelling case for long-term value creation.
Authors: David Gomes (Manager – IT)
*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]