Paraguay’s strategy for becoming a regional tech hub extends beyond energy. It is rooted in education, innovation, and the drive of its young population — the youngest in South America, with an average age of just 27.
Technology and Communications Minister Gustavo Villate is at the forefront of this initiative. Together with President Santiago Peña, he is developing a new digital park near Asunción’s main airport. The $20 million first phase will include offices, green spaces, and a new University of Technology — a joint venture between Paraguay and Taiwan. “We’re building the foundations for an ecosystem that unites universities, startups, and investors,” Villate explains.
The government hopes this environment will attract global firms such as Google and OpenAI, with whom Peña held meetings in California last year. Paraguay’s low taxes, political stability, and renewable energy are being positioned as core incentives for international investment.
Vanessa Cañete, president of the Paraguayan Chamber of the Software Industry, says the country is also investing heavily in training a new generation of coders and engineers. Through her non-profit initiative Girls Code, Cañete has already trained over 1,000 young women in programming and robotics. “We’re creating a critical mass of software talent ready to work with global partners,” she says. English training programs have also been introduced to improve communication with international clients.
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. Bureaucracy, limited venture funding, and slow contract adaptation to international standards continue to pose hurdles for foreign investors. Yet, leaders like Cibils remain optimistic. “There are growing pains, but the potential is enormous,” she says. “If we put innovation at the core and harness our energy and talent, Paraguay can become a true technological superpower.”
With its mix of renewable energy, youthful workforce, and determined visionaries, Paraguay’s dream of becoming South America’s next tech frontier may be closer to reality than ever before.
