Latin America AI Adoption Accelerates
Source: cepal.org
Latin America's AI Advancement
ECLAC and CENIA Chile have introduced the third edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA 2025). This tool assesses AI preparedness, adoption, and governance across 19 regional countries.
The report, which uses over 100 sub-indicators in the areas of enabling factors, research and adoption, and governance, offers a detailed analysis of advancements and persisting challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Regional AI Trends
The study indicates that the region is increasing AI adoption faster than its digital presence would suggest. Latin America and the Caribbean account for 14% of global visits to AI solutions, while representing 11% of internet users worldwide. The index categorizes countries as pioneers, adopters, or explorers based on AI maturity.
Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay are leading the way as pioneers, with scores above 60. Eight nations, including Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, are classified as adopters. More than a third of the countries analyzed are in the explorer category, characterized by developing ecosystems and limited capabilities.
Challenges and Gaps
The research points out major structural deficits in talent, investment, and governance. Advanced AI training is limited and concentrated in a few countries. Since 2022, the talent gap has increased compared to global averages, driven by a brain drain of specialists.
While Latin America and the Caribbean represent 6.6% of global GDP, they only receive 1.12% of global AI investment. The report, supported by the EU–LAC Digital Alliance, highlights that this restricts the ability to expand productive and innovative initiatives.
Many countries have AI strategies, but these often lack funding, implementation, and evaluation, which reduces their effectiveness. Environmental and gender equality considerations are also frequently missing. Policies tend to emphasize regulation over ecosystem development for productivity and well-being.
The Future of AI in the Region
AI adoption is mainly occurring in a few countries and focuses on ready-made solutions with basic technical demands. Yet, growing interest in these technologies presents an opportunity to broaden innovation and enhance productivity, given the right conditions for innovation and entrepreneurship.
ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, stated that AI can help Latin America and the Caribbean overcome development challenges if digitalization policies align with productive development, infrastructure, talent, and governance improvements. He noted AI's potential in new strategies, education, healthcare, social protection, gender equality, environmental protection, and government efficiency.
CENIA’s ILIA Director, Álvaro Soto, mentioned the shift in focus from preparedness to the actual impacts of AI in the region. He added that while there's considerable interest, there is a lack of urgency, and no country exceeds the world average in AI investment relative to GDP per capita.
Claudia Gintersdorfer, the European Union's Ambassador to Chile, emphasized the EU's support for ILIA, viewing it as a guide for a fair, inclusive, and people-centered transition.
The ILIA 2025 launch included government officials, international organization representatives, and leaders from the private sector and academia.