Abinader launches “RD Inteligente” AI program to train one million Dominicans

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader on Thursday presented “RD Inteligente,” a national artificial intelligence (AI) literacy program that aims to train one million Dominicans in the use of AI and strengthen the country’s digital skills.

The initiative, led by the Government through the Technological Institute of the Americas (ITLA), seeks to democratize access to AI training and prepare citizens for the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly technology-driven economy.

During the launch, Abinader stressed that artificial intelligence should not be limited to technology specialists but should be accessible to the population as a whole.

“We don’t want to turn a million Dominicans into programmers. We want a million Dominicans to be better at what they already know how to do,” the president said.

The program will target a wide range of groups, including high school and university students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, public servants, professionals, teachers, members of the security and defense forces, micro, small and medium-sized businesses, parents and the general public.

AI training for work, education and entrepreneurship

Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza said artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future, but a reality that is transforming how people work, learn, start businesses and solve problems.

Paliza highlighted the country’s progress under the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA) and the development of the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CEIA-RD).

He also pointed to interest from global technology companies such as Google and NVIDIA as evidence of the Dominican Republic’s growing potential as a destination for investment, innovation and specialized talent.

The initiative is designed to strengthen digital skills and promote the practical use of AI in areas such as education, employment, entrepreneurship and professional development, with the broader goal of supporting a more inclusive and competitive knowledge-based economy.