To generate a route that allows Guatemala to become a digital country, it is necessary to analyze the actions of other more advanced nations. At this point, it is evidenced that there is still work to be done. From the digitalization of government procedures to support for new technologies, it is essential to accelerate the process.
A BBVA Research study, called Digix Index, evaluates the level of digitalization in 99 countries. The best positions include Luxembourg, the United States, the Netherlands, Singapore and Hong Kong. These nations stand out for three key factors:
- Solid infrastructure and accessible prices.
- Use of technology in personal, business and governmental fields.
- Regulations that encourage innovation.
When thinking about a digital country, territories with good infrastructure, less bureaucracy and wealth generation are visualized. However, these are also countries that promote investment and innovation. The digitalization of public services and an efficient internet connection are essential. In addition, cooperation between the government and companies is key to advance in this process.
In the last five years, Guatemala has made significant progress in its digitalization process. Next, some of these progress are analyzed.
Bureaucratic simplification
The Antitramit Law (Decree 12-2022) allowed to reduce bureaucracy by 30 %. Currently, the Portal Procedures.gob.gt offers 187 online services, from the renewal of the passport to the obtaining of environmental permits. More than 2 million people use these services every year.
An outstanding example is the National Registry of People (RENAP), which reduced the issuance time of the Personal Identification Document (DPI) from 45 days to 72 hours, thanks to its digital platform.
Connectivity expansion
The Millicom (Tigo) company invested $ 1,000 million to expand the 4G network to 85 % of the country and bring 40 % of urban households.
In rural areas, the Conéctame GT project installed 150 satellite Internet centers, benefiting 50,000 people in departments such as Huehuetenango and Petén. Despite these advances, only 35 % of rural communities have a stable connection, although the figure has improved compared to 18 % registered in 2020.
Local innovation with global impact
The Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG) has demonstrated the potential of the country in the technological field. Recently, the first Nanochip developed for portable medical devices, which attracted an investment of 20 million dollars by technology companies interested in Guatemalan talent.
Growth of the digital economy
Online trade grew by 125 % between 2020 and 2024, generating annual sales for 2,700 million dollars. Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace have become key tools for 85,000 small businesses, many of them led by women.
A PCMI study estimates that online sales could reach 5.3 billion dollars in 2027.
Pending challenges
Despite the advances in digitalization, Guatemala still faces important challenges:
- Incomplete legal framework: Some laws, such as cybersecurity and data protection, have not yet been approved. Although there are laws on discussion, it is necessary to adopt the best practices of more advanced countries to expedite the process and reduce gaps.
- Technological inequality: Most Internet users concentrate in Guatemala and Quetzaltenango city, which leaves a great opportunity to expand connectivity in other regions.
- Lack of specialized talent: Only 500 systems engineers are graduated per year, an insufficient figure for the growing demand of the technological sector.
- Isolated projects: Compared to Estonia, which has a National Digital Strategy 2030 with 142 clear goals, in Guatemala there are more than 115 digital projects distributed in 15 institutions, without effective coordination. In addition, each ministry manages its own platform, which generates duplicity of efforts and waste of 40 % of the budget for technology.
Lessons from other countries
- Investment in infrastructure: Luxembourg invests 3 % of its GDP in technology and has made fiber optics cover 95 % of the country. In Guatemala, the Conéctame GT project seeks to bring internet to rural communities. Earlier this year, it was reported that 320 of the 1,200 planned communities already have connection. While it is an advance, it is necessary to accelerate the implementation.
- Education: In Singapore, programming and robotics teaching begins from primary school. In Guatemala, there are initiatives such as Guatemala Robotics Club, Codzilla.GT, the digital talent work table of the Agexport, Intecap and Kinal Commission. However, it is necessary to expand its scope to achieve a national impact. To do this, the collaboration between the private sector and the government is key.
- Entrepreneurship: Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation is crucial for job creation and the development of a solid digital ecosystem. A successful example is Israel, where the Yozma program, promoted by the Government, offered incentives to foreign investors. As a result, Startup investment went from 50 million dollars to 3.1 billion dollars in just 10 years, which generated growth in the technology industry, from 5,000 to 150,000 jobs.
If Guatemala achieved a similar model, it could be consolidated as a country generating technology for the world. For this, it is essential to establish incentives, clear rules and financing for new entrepreneurs.
Although the country still does not reach the level of Singapore or Luxembourg, there are reasons for optimism. The key is to prioritize technological access, improve education and attract investments.
With these steps, Guatemala will not only generate employment and wealth for its inhabitants, but will become a referent of digital transformation, demonstrating that a clear vision and collaboration between sectors can change the course of a nation in a few years.
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