Cesar Vence
Executive Director, U.S.-Colombia Business Council
Senior Director, Americas, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
September 15, 2025
Colombia, South America’s fourth largest country and one of its most populous nations, has long fostered a vision of a flourishing digital economy, and has recently taken strong steps to close digital divides and increase technological access. These include the Digital Policy Dialogue, hosted on September 4 in Cartagena, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá and AmCham Colombia.
Held alongside the tech-forward summit ANDICOM 2025, the Digital Policy Dialogue convened government officials, industry leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of digital transformation in Colombia and the broader Latin American region. With its focus on fostering digital innovation, investment, and inclusivity, the dialogue underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in shaping a strong and sustainable digital policy framework.
Key takeaways from the Dialogue include:
1. Public-Private Partnerships Are Essential for Digital Growth
Emphasizing the critical role of public-private collaboration in driving Colombia’s digital transformation, participants highlighted how these partnerships can accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and cloud computing, while ensuring equitable access to digital tools and services.
2. Ensuring AI Governance and Connectivity for MSMEs
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Colombia’s economy, and their success is vital for inclusive growth. To fully harness AI as a practical tool for enhancing processes, services, and business models, MSMEs benefit from clear guidance, reliable digital infrastructure, and strong support systems. Strategic investments in technologies like 5G and satellite internet, paired with capacity-building initiatives, can help these businesses confidently embrace AI and thrive in a fast-changing digital landscape.
3. Balancing Innovation and Regulation
As Colombia advances its digital transformation, stakeholders emphasized the importance of trust-based, risk-informed AI governance to foster innovation and attract investment. Public-private collaboration should guide discussions on key issues such as intellectual property rights, data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical use of technology. Regulatory frameworks must be clear, adaptable, and innovation-friendly, avoiding overly restrictive or fear-driven approaches. Participants also highlighted the need for strategic infrastructure investments to ensure inclusive and sustainable digital growth.
4. The Importance of International Cooperation
Speakers underscored the need for international collaboration to shape interoperable data governance frameworks. By aligning with global digital leaders like the U.S., Japan, and Singapore, Colombia can foster regulatory coherence, enhance cybersecurity, and unlock new market opportunities. The risks of data localization mandates were also discussed, with participants highlighting their potential impact on competitiveness and market access.
5. Strengthening Human Capital
There was broad consensus on the urgency of strengthening Colombia’s human talent through education, training, and capacity-building policies to meet the demands of the digital economy. The U.S. tech sector already plays a key role in providing technical training and stands ready to partner with the Colombian government to scale these efforts. A multisectoral approach is essential to ensuring that individuals and businesses are equipped for the future.
Looking Ahead
The Digital Policy Dialogue in Cartagena marked a significant step in shaping Colombia’s digital future, with insights and connections from this dialogue forming a foundation for future digital progress and partnerships.
As Colombia continues to position itself as a regional leader in digital transformation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its partners remain committed to supporting Colombia’s journey towards a more connected, innovative, and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Video: U.S. Chamber Hosts Digital Policy Dialogue in Cartagena, Colombia
About the authors
Cesar Vence
Cesar A. Vence is a Senior Director for the Americas at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and serves as Executive Director of the U.S.-Colombia Business Council (USCBC).
Abel Torres
Abel Torres serves as Executive Director in the Center for Global Regulatory Cooperation (GRC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
