El Salvador signs AI deal with Nvidia to advance national priorities

El Salvador has entered into a partnership with Nvidia to develop sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure, aiming to enhance sectors such as healthcare, education, and economic productivity.

The National Bitcoin Office of El Salvador announced on April 21 that the country signed a letter of intent with Nvidia to collaborate on “sovereign AI to drive innovation and economic growth.”

According to the announcement, the partnership will provide El Salvador with access to Nvidia’s AI tools, resources, and expertise, enabling the nation to build AI capabilities tailored to its cultural, linguistic, environmental, and economic needs.

“El Salvador will focus on building domestic AI infrastructure, upskilling the workforce, and creating solutions to address local challenges such as improving healthcare delivery, advancing education, and boosting economic productivity,” the National Bitcoin Office stated.

A key component of the initiative is the establishment of AI training programs for developers, researchers, and government officials.

The goal is to ensure that the country has the talent required to sustain its AI ambitions.

The collaboration also includes projects like developing AI-driven models for weather and rainfall prediction, which are expected to support emergency response, protect residents in landslide-prone areas, and optimise hydroelectric power management.

This agreement with Nvidia is part of a broader push by El Salvador to integrate AI into public services and national development.

In March 2025, the government launched CUBO_ai, a university-level public education program focused on AI, with support from industry experts such as Cathie Wood.

The program is described as the “only national education program bringing in top-tier field experts,” according to the National Bitcoin Office.

While El Salvador continues to advance its AI initiatives, its Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) strategy has faced challenges.

The International Monetary Fund imposed restrictions on further Bitcoin purchases as part of a $1.4 billion funding agreement, but the government has continued its daily Bitcoin acquisitions, raising questions about the long-term impact of the IMF deal.