Colombia Trains 200K in Digital Skills, Half Are Women

Colombia just trained over 200,000 people in digital skills, and more than half of them are women.

The country's youth are already proving what's possible when technology meets opportunity. Young Colombians are launching digital businesses, creating civic technology projects, and building grassroots innovations that solve real problems in their communities.

But there's a gap between skills and success. While 92 percent of Colombian youth use digital platforms for social networking, only 9 percent use them to search for jobs or submit applications. Many talented young people, especially in regions like the Pacific and Caribbean, struggle to turn their digital know-how into sustainable careers.

That's where the Inclusive Digital Transformation Facility comes in. Created through international partnerships and implemented with the United Nations in Colombia, the program connects digital access with actual employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The initiative focuses on communities outside major cities, prioritizing regions that have historically received less investment and training. In 2026, the program brought together young people, tech experts, and civil society leaders at Colombia's biggest digital transformation events to identify barriers and create solutions.

The gatherings sparked important conversations. Participants explored ways to improve digital education, connect talented youth with employers, and create stronger pathways for young entrepreneurs to access markets and business opportunities.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this effort different is its understanding that internet access alone isn't enough. Young people need digital skills, safe online environments, mentorship, and real pathways to employment. When communities get all these pieces together, digital transformation becomes a tool for economic inclusion rather than another source of inequality.

The program's regional focus matters too. By investing in areas like the Pacific and Caribbean where infrastructure gaps have limited opportunities, Colombia is building a digital economy that works for everyone, not just those in major urban centers.

As Colombia continues expanding its digital future, one thing is clear: when young people get the right tools and opportunities, they don't just participate in the digital economy—they reshape it.