EU and CAF to Invest $20 Million to Boost Colombia's National Connectivity Plan

The Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (TIC) of Colombia, the European Union (EU), and CAF—Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean—signed a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen connectivity in Colombia, especially in rural and remote areas. The agreement allocates approximately $20 million to leverage financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and CAF, supporting the implementation of the National Connectivity Plan. The initiative falls under the EU's Global Gateway strategy and will initially last two years. The agreement includes participatory workshops to ensure the inclusion of vulnerable populations, involving local stakeholders and communities in formulating digital connectivity proposals. Feasibility studies will analyze technical, economic, environmental, and gender dimensions, incorporating input from local and national authorities, the private sector, and civil society. Connectivity initiatives will test various internet access technologies and strategies in remote areas, such as Isla de Providencia, led by the Ministry of TIC.