Why Hire Workers from Colombia?

Why have tech giants like Microsoft, Facebook, IBM, and HubSpot set up shop in Colombia? 

It’s probably because of the high level of talent in the Latin American country. Home to some 62,000 software developers in 2023, Colombia boasts a thriving education scene, time zone and cultural compatibility with the U.S., and many professionals with strong English skills. 

Why else should you hire workers from Colombia?

Here’s a peek. 

Innovation and Education

Colombia is a hotbed for innovation and talent. The country’s many programs highlight its commitment to enhancing education and producing top talent. Tech talent hubs in cities like Bogotá and Medellín are growing dramatically, and the government offers tax incentives to fuel industry growth.

Some key initiatives include:

Latin America’s First AI Faculty

Demonstrating that it is at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, Colombia established Latin America’s first faculty of artificial intelligence in 2024. The University of Caldas in Manizales is home to the faculty, featuring five labs, 13 classrooms, an auditorium, and seven computer labs for 1,228 students. 

Academic programs include a range of technical courses and master’s degrees in AI. The government has invested 55 billion Colombian pesos (equivalent to $15.8 million USD) to support the faculty.

Tech Alliance

Colombia launched the Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance in February 2024. Established in collaboration with the Colombian Ministry of Education and REDTTU, Colombia’s public technical and technological institute network, the alliance’s goal is to ensure that academic curricula align with real-world business challenges and demands. The overarching goal is to foster collaboration among employers, academic institutions, and governments.

The program is expected to impact 3,000 students in Colombia, connecting them with around 200 employers. More than 20 institutions, including Los Andes University, Universidad Nacional, and Universidad Nacional Abierta a Distancia, among other institutions, are committed to taking part in the Tech Alliance.

The Tech Alliance also collaborates with 10 industry associations: the Chamber of Digital Industry and Services of the Colombian Business Association (ANDI), the Colombian Software Federation (Fedesoft), Invest In Bogota, Global Opportunity Youth Network Bogota, and the Colombian Innovation Network (Connect). 

Digital Expansion

Digitization of Colombia means more opportunities for skills development and professional enhancement. And the country is demonstrating commitment to—and investment in—expanding digitally.

Already, Colombia has made its mark. According to the 2023 OECD Digital Government Index, Colombia ranks highly, rivaling countries like Denmark, the UK, and Norway due to its dedication to developing a strong digital ecosystem, driven by multiple government agencies. 

Colombia’s digital economy is steadily growing. The country had 39.51 million internet users as of January 2024. In 2023, 63% of the population used the Internet, compared with just 38% in 2014, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). The ITA also reports that Colombia hosts 12.8% of digital firms in Latin America, landing behind just Brazil and Mexico. 

Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC) and the National Planning Department (DNP) also launched the National Digital Strategy (NDS) for 2023–2026 to use digital technologies to address economic, social, and environmental changes. The aims of the strategy are to enhance connectivity, build a secure data infrastructure, create digital trust and security, and help digital skills and talent through partnerships with educational institutions and private organizations for digital skills training and certification.

This initiative seeks to promote AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity; support digital startups; enhance digital inclusion; and address gaps in digital literacy. 

A thriving digital sphere is boosting skills enhancement and professional development. Individuals have more opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive as professionals.

Cost Efficiency

Hiring workers in Colombia is far more cost-effective than hiring U.S. workers. Just look at the salaries for software engineers. The average total pay for a software engineer in Colombia is COP 8,45,000 per month (equivalent to 1,935.26 USD), translating to $23,223.12 annually, while a software engineer in the U.S. earns an average of $161,575 (estimated total pay).

Plus, overall, the cost of living in Colombia is approximately 70% lower than in the U.S., variable by specific location. 

But you’re not compromising on the level of talent or quality of work. Colombia offers an abundance of highly qualified engineers. It’s the best of both worlds.

Why Hire Workers from Colombia?

With its investment in innovation and education, digital expansion, and cost-effectiveness, Colombia is a thriving scene for talent in the tech industry and beyond. 

When you hire workers from Colombia, you also tap into a diverse base of professionals and gain new perspectives. With global voices on your team, you’ll naturally have access to deeper insights and greater creativity. That’s a recipe for business success.