El Salvador has presented its National AI Strategy 2026, establishing a roadmap centered on sovereign artificial intelligence, innovation, human potential, and technological independence as the country seeks to accelerate its transformation into a technology-driven economy.
Presented by the National Artificial Intelligence Agency (ANIA), the strategy is built around four core principles: innovation, sovereignty, human potential, and abundance. Its objective is to move from simply adopting artificial intelligence to developing the infrastructure, capabilities, and talent needed to build and deploy AI solutions within the country.
A central component of the strategy is the development of sovereign AI infrastructure, together with greater access to advanced public services and the creation of a national culture of innovation.
ANIA’s approach also places people at the center of AI development. The strategy prioritizes human creativity, critical thinking, human-led innovation, and high-quality AI systems, emphasizing that technology should expand human potential rather than replace it.
The economic dimension represents another key pillar. El Salvador aims for artificial intelligence to contribute approximately 20% of national GDP by 2031, with the strategy pointing to sovereign computing infrastructure, productivity gains, international investment, and the intersection of AI and Bitcoin innovation as potential drivers of growth.
ANIA describes the strategy as a living document that will evolve alongside the technology sector, global markets, and the broader economy. This flexible approach is intended to allow El Salvador to adapt as artificial intelligence continues to develop at an accelerating pace.
With the National AI Strategy 2026, El Salvador is placing artificial intelligence at the center of its long-term technology and economic vision, seeking to build national capabilities while creating new opportunities for innovation, investment, productivity, and human development.