The European Union, in partnership with IDB Lab—the innovation arm of the Inter-American Development Bank—and the company NUMU, has announced a new initiative aimed at boosting youth employment and strengthening cybersecurity in El Salvador. The project represents a planned investment of more than $4.4 million and aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe Initiative “Digital Jobs”.

According to an official statement, more than $3.95 million of the funding will come directly from EU resources. The program, named CIBERLAMARR, seeks to enhance digital skills, create new job opportunities, and position El Salvador as an emerging reference point for digital talent in the region.

The initiative responds to the growing need to protect digital environments from cyberattacks while simultaneously expanding access to specialized training and employment. Through CIBERLAMARR, 600 people are expected to receive training and professional certifications, with job placement support for 300 young people, many of them women.

In addition, the program will provide expert support to 300 small and micro-sized enterprises, helping them improve their digital security and overall competitiveness. The European Union stated that the project “reaffirms its commitment to youth employment, inclusion, and the development of a safer digital environment in El Salvador.”