El Salvador launches education reforms and submarine cable project

El Salvador is implementing a multi-faceted national transformation strategy focused on education and digital infrastructure. President Nayib Bukele has unveiled a plan to provide 50,000 scholarships for university, technical, and vocational training. To ensure long-term sustainability, the government signed a $100 million agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The educational reform aims to support students from early childhood through higher education. Key components include the introduction of AI tutors, providing computers to students, updated curricula, and teacher training. The government reports that 70% of schools are currently connected to the internet, with a goal of achieving nationwide coverage.

Simultaneously, the country is advancing its digital connectivity through the development of its first submarine fiber-optic cable. Supported by $145 million in sovereign financing from CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the project aims to quadruple data capacity by 2031. The infrastructure is expected to become operational in the second half of 2028, reducing reliance on terrestrial links and lowering connection costs.