The rise of data centers in Latin America driven by 5G and artificial intelligence

In 2025, Latin America entered a critical phase in its digital transformation, marked by a rapid expansion of data centers across the region. The development is driven primarily by the adoption of 5G networks, the exponential growth of cloud computing, and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into daily life and industry. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina are competing to increase their computing capacity, a race that translates into extensive investments in energy infrastructure, fiber-optic networks, and specialized facilities.

Brazil leads the movement thanks to its large market and solid technological sector, with major players like AWS, Microsoft, and Google expanding their presence. Chile follows a sustainability-oriented strategy, leveraging its clean energy and favorable climate to attract global data center operators concerned about environmental impact. Colombia and Argentina are also modernizing their infrastructure, with Bogotá and Buenos Aires emerging as regional hubs. Meanwhile, Mexico’s technological ecosystem is growing rapidly due to nearshoring and rising digitalization, positioning Querétaro as the ‘computing capital’ of the country despite challenges in power supply.

The article underscores that this infrastructural race goes beyond technology—it represents a quest for digital sovereignty and regional competitiveness. With the rising need for massive data processing, Latin America’s ability to build its own digital backbone will determine its role in the global knowledge economy.