El Salvador is stepping up its tech game once again—this time by diving into artificial intelligence through a new partnership with U.S. chipmaker Nvidia. The Central American nation, already known for its groundbreaking move to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, has now signed a letter of intent to work with Nvidia on developing what it calls “sovereign AI.”
Announced on April 21 by El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC), the partnership is designed to bring advanced AI capabilities to key areas of national interest. These include cultural preservation, language technologies, environmental planning, and economic development. The aim is not just to integrate AI but to build a homegrown AI infrastructure that reflects El Salvador’s unique needs and goals.
The collaboration will offer the country access to Nvidia’s technology, tools, and expert guidance. El Salvador also plans to roll out AI training programs for software developers, researchers, and public servants. According to officials, this will help ensure the country builds a strong base of local talent capable of maintaining and expanding AI applications.
Among the first practical uses of this partnership is the creation of AI-based weather and rainfall forecasting systems. These would be crucial in helping the country improve disaster readiness, protect people in high-risk zones, and better manage its hydroelectric resources.
This is far from El Salvador’s first foray into AI. In March, it launched CUBO_ai, a university-level education initiative centered on artificial intelligence, which features guest lectures from global experts. The program was launched with the support of investor Cathie Wood, who’s known for her bullish stance on both Bitcoin and AI. She has predicted that El Salvador’s tech strategies could supercharge its economy over the next few years.
However, El Salvador’s aggressive tech push hasn’t been without roadblocks. The International Monetary Fund recently placed limits on its Bitcoin purchases as part of a major funding deal. Despite that, the country continues to buy one Bitcoin per day, a move that has drawn international attention.
With AI now in its national development toolkit, El Salvador seems determined to reshape its future through a mix of innovation, education, and digital ambition.
