According to Cointelegraph, El Salvador, the pioneering nation in adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, is collaborating with Nvidia to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its national development strategy. The National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) of El Salvador announced on April 21 that a letter of intent has been signed with Nvidia to develop 'sovereign AI' aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth. This partnership will leverage Nvidia's AI tools, resources, and expertise to enhance El Salvador's capabilities in areas such as culture, language, environment, and economy.
The collaboration focuses on building domestic AI infrastructure, enhancing workforce skills, and creating solutions to address local challenges. These include improving healthcare delivery, advancing education, and boosting economic productivity. El Salvador's commitment to AI is evident in its plans to establish training programs for developers, researchers, and government officials, ensuring the nation possesses the talent necessary to sustain its AI ambitions. One practical application of this initiative is the development of AI-driven models for weather and rainfall forecasting, which will aid in emergency response, protect residents in landslide-prone areas, and optimize hydroelectric power management.
This partnership with Nvidia is part of a broader AI-focused strategy in El Salvador. In March 2025, the ONBTC launched CUBO_ai, a university-level public education program, which is the only national initiative of its kind bringing in top-tier experts. Supported by prominent Bitcoin advocate Cathie Wood, who is set to deliver the program's inaugural lecture, CUBO_ai underscores El Salvador's dedication to integrating AI into its educational framework. Despite these advancements in AI, El Salvador's Bitcoin initiatives have faced challenges. In early March, the International Monetary Fund imposed restrictions on further Bitcoin purchases as part of a $1.4 billion funding agreement with the country. Nevertheless, the government continues to acquire one Bitcoin daily, raising questions about the implications of this strategy in light of the IMF deal.
