Transforming Paraguay: A Vision for South America's Silicon Valley

Mon Oct 20 2025 20:21:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Gabriela Cibils and Paraguay's government are on a mission to turn the country into the Silicon Valley of South America by leveraging its abundant clean energy and fostering a thriving tech ecosystem.

Gabriela Cibils, a Paraguayan tech leader, aims to establish Paraguay as the Silicon Valley of South America. With a rich background in technology gained from Silicon Valley, she has returned to foster a robust tech industry in her homeland. The country boasts abundant hydroelectric energy, which can power data centers and attract global tech firms. Collaborative government efforts and educational initiatives targeting the youth are essential to overcoming challenges and building a vibrant tech economy.

Gabriela Cibils is on a mission – to help turn Paraguay into the Silicon Valley of South America.

When she was growing up in the landlocked country, nestled between Brazil and Argentina, she says the nation wasn't super tech focused. But it was different for Ms Cibils, as her parents worked in the technology sector. Inspired, she studied in the US, where she earned a degree in computing and neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley.

After working for eight years in Silicon Valley with various start-ups, she decided to return to Paraguay a few years ago. Now, she is at the forefront of efforts to build a substantial tech sector that elevates Paraguay on the global map and attracts major tech companies.

Ms Cibils believes in combining the innovative mindset she acquired in Silicon Valley with the talent present in Paraguay. She is now a partner at Cibersons, a global technology and investment firm headquartered in Asunción.

Paraguay's distinct advantage lies in its abundant supply of cheap, green electricity, generated entirely from hydroelectric power. Central to this energy generation is the Itaipu Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric power station outside of China, which provides 90% of Paraguay's electricity and supplies Brazil with an additional 10%.

With highly competitive electricity prices, Paraguay aims to attract global tech firms, especially those focused on the massive energy demands associated with AI computing. Minister of Technology and Communication Gustavo Villate highlights the potential for growth facilitated by Paraguay's young population and renewable energy resources.

While the government is eager to develop a tech hub, individuals and organizations, like the Paraguayan Chamber of the Software Industry, are actively working to train young people in technology roles. Initiatives like Girls Code are also aimed at closing the gender gap in tech fields.

Despite potential hurdles, including bureaucratic challenges, there is a palpable sense of optimism about Paraguay's future as a tech hub. Ms Cibils asserts that prioritizing innovation positions Paraguay to become a technological superpower in the near future.