Spotlight: Colombia's 2026 digital strategy – BNamericas English

Colombia’s 2023-26 digital strategy is focused on increasing internet access, developing artificial intelligence and strengthening security.
Presented on Wednesday, the strategy cites figures by statistics agency DANE, according to which 40% of households lack access to fixed or mobile internet and only 32.2% in rural areas have internet service.
The strategy can be seen in the Documents box in the top-right corner of the screen.
It aims at reaching 71mn fixed and mobile internet accesses compared to 38.6mn in 2021, and 61.4mn mobile accesses, up from 30mn. In addition, 85% of citizens aged five and older are expected to use the internet, compared to 73%.
The strategy will be implemented jointly by the presidency, the communications ministry and planning department DNP.
Backbone and last-mile networks with co-investment mechanisms such as neutral networks, public-private partnerships, infrastructure sharing and priority lines for small providers are proposed.
Regulatory mechanisms to eliminate barriers to network deployment and to create differential conditions for internet services that promote local and regional integration are being planned.
The government has advanced this model with the creation of connectivity communities, a legal form for deploying non-profit or community networks.
Regional 5G spectrum offers and better radio and television services are also being evaluated.
DATA AND SECURITY
The strategy’s data focus is on guaranteeing and increasing the availability of basic quality data, promoting interoperability and secure transmission.
To improve data security, it is proposed to create a national entity to plan, define, coordinate and monitor general resilience, facilitate safe use habits and propose binding elements that enable state actions to counter digital threats and risks.
The strategy also aims to strengthen the technological capabilities and catalog of cybersecurity services of the State.
Attacks involving malware increased 149% in 2022, according to the police cybercenter.
Colombia ranks 54 of 108 and is the fifth most exposed country in South America, according to Password Managers’ 2020 cybersecurity exposure index.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Colombia also plans to implement a public policy roadmap for AI.
Adoption should align with national objectives such as sustainability, sector prioritization and flagship projects included in the 2022-26 development and sector plans.
The country plans to build up to 300 AI innovation centers focused on computing, gaming and data technology.
Other objectives are advancing digital government, fostering digital talent and promoting productive digital transformation, especially in the agricultural, tourism and e-commerce sectors.
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