President Ali outlines plan for regional data sovereignty hub, advanced digital infrastructure
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced plans for the establishment of a regional data sovereignty hub in Guyana, as part of his government’s long-term vision to position the country at the center of digital transformation across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Speaking at a recent event, the President said the initiative forms part of a broader plan to develop a world-class technological ecosystem, supported by reliable energy, advanced data infrastructure, and strong government accountability systems.
He explained that by 2030, Guyana’s economy will not only be defined by oil and gas, but by its leadership in areas such as digitization, artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, and data-driven governance.
“We’re talking about the building of data centers that can power growth and strengthen sovereignty within our region,” the President said. “Imagine Guyana having a hyperscale data center that serves as the computing and storage space for the entire region, right here in our country. That is what we are building.”
Dr. Ali said the data sovereignty hub will give Caribbean states secure and independent access to their own data, reducing dependence on external systems while boosting regional innovation and digital finance platforms.
He also highlighted that the government has already started investing in digital healthcare and smart government applications, noting that pathology test results that once took four months can now be completed within three days due to improved digital systems.
“Every country in the world now knows it must invest in digitization and AI to remain competitive,” the President continued. “That requires computing ability at an unbelievable scale, and Guyana intends to lead that effort in this region.”
The President disclosed that the proposed data center investment could range between US$200 million and US$300 million, and would play a major role in supporting the digital modernization of both government and private sector operations.
He added that by the end of next year, Guyana will also have robotic-assisted medical infrastructure, allowing international specialists to perform surgeries remotely, and that new government apps will soon be launched to improve transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
While outlining this vision, President Ali said the drive toward digital transformation complements Guyana’s broader goals of creating a diversified and forward-looking economy by 2030. He emphasized that this development will be guided by national values of unity, humility, and collective progress.
“We’re building a future that reflects who we are as a people,” he said. “Our culture, our values, and our sense of purpose must all be part of this transformation. That is how we ensure the technology we build serves our people.”
The announcement came as part of his wider address at the launch of the SOMA Hotel an investment led by TOTALTEC and local partners where the President praised the private sector’s role in advancing national growth and innovation.
