The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez held a meeting on Tuesday with the Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence in Cuba, where he insisted that the country cannot fall behind in this matter.
In Cuba, there are systematic blackouts, difficulties accessing the Internet, a lack of technical equipment, and technological obsolescence, yet Díaz-Canel insists that the way forward to "emancipate the country" is through the use of AI.
The world is moving very fast and we cannot fall behind. For a country like ours, artificial intelligence makes the difference. We have potential because, regardless of the infrastructure and all that..., this is about knowledge and preparation. It's like in biotechnology, where we were able to match the world's standards in a short period of time," Díaz-Canel stated.
During the exchange, the Advisory Council recommended preparing Cuban students, especially university students, in artificial intelligence topics.
They suggested modifying the curricula for the Computer Engineering program and other related fields, as well as selecting high-performing students to boost pilot projects in the country.
It is not the first time that the Cuban leader has addressed this topic. Last December, during a meeting of the Council of Ministers, Díaz-Canel expressed his intention to use AI as a key tool to tackle the deep issues facing the country.
"Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence and is applying artificial intelligence in processes," he said then.
In January 2025, he reiterated the same idea. He acknowledged that the country lacks the infrastructure to promote AI projects, but in his view, there is human capital, and therefore Cubans can "aspire to be at the forefront of this, at least in Latin America and the Caribbean."
His statements contrast with the harsh reality faced by the population and professionals in Cuba, as they often do not even have access to a modern mobile phone with good connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Cuba
Why does Díaz-Canel want to use artificial intelligence in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel wants to use artificial intelligence to emancipate Cuba and avoid falling behind in global technological advancements. Despite the country's technological and economic shortcomings, the leader insists that artificial intelligence can be a key tool in addressing Cuba's issues, similar to what happened with biotechnology.
What are the contradictions in Díaz-Canel's discourse on artificial intelligence?
Although Díaz-Canel promotes artificial intelligence as a pathway to development, the Cuban reality is characterized by blackouts, a lack of internet access, and outdated technological infrastructure. These conditions make his proposals seem more like propaganda than a genuine attempt at progress, as the implementation of advanced technologies is unfeasible without basic resources.
What do experts think about the feasibility of implementing artificial intelligence in Cuba?
Experts agree that, without a real economic and social opening, it is difficult for Cuba to implement a cutting-edge technological strategy. The lack of adequate infrastructure, resources, and freedom to innovate are significant barriers preventing the country from fully harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence.
How does the Cuban government plan to prepare new generations in artificial intelligence?
The Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence in Cuba has recommended modifying university curricula to include topics on artificial intelligence. Additionally, they suggest selecting high-performing students to drive pilot projects in the country, although it is still unclear how these recommendations will be implemented given the current context.
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