The advance of ICTs in Latin America
Technology impacts on the growth of GDP, the level of education of the population, and the improvement of the types of employment to which people may have access
The manufacturing and services industries that produce or market information and communications technology goods or services are ICTs. In the region, there are countries with average performance in the area of ICTs, such as Colombia, Mexico or Panama, and others with opportunities to improve, such as Bolivia and Paraguay.
The most innovative and strategic programs in Latin America stem from an understanding of the importance of broad band for economic growth and to reduce the level of poverty. Since there have been strategies to work infrastructure aspects, to improve institutional and regulatory frameworks, and human capital, the digital ecosystem incorporates ICTs to the productive sector.
The impact of ICTs on countries also impacts the economy and the people. It has been proven that an increase of 10 percent in the penetration of broad band generates an impact of between 1 and 1.05 percent in the GDP. At the same time, people who have skills in ICT, have better evaluations in the educational system. This, in turn, helps get better jobs with an increase in remunerations of between 18 and 30 percent.
There are four basic elements for this to happen. Entrepreneurs must go through a digital literacy process; enterprises must modernize and get certified, that is, they must use computers, develop web pages and software applications; Spin-offs must be developed, or entrepreneurships with a technological base; and last, but not least, it is essential to have entrepreneurial innovation.
CAF's more recent content
CAF, ECLAC, IDB and PAHO Promote Sustainable Development in the G20
The Regional Organizations of the Americas congratulate Brazil on its successful G20 Presidency, highlighting its leadership on key issues such as poverty, governance, and climate change. They also reaffirm their commitment to actions that promote equity and development in the region.
Urgent Call for Action to Safeguard Caribbean SIDS at CAF Symposium
As the global community grapples with the escalating climate crisis, Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are running out of time to secure critical investments and support needed to strengthen their economies and protect vulnerable communities from the intensifying impacts of climate change. With the window to take decisive action rapidly shrinking, CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission, brought together key stakeholders for a symposium in London to address the critical vulnerabilities Caribbean SIDS face.