GenAI leads a global surge in digital learning

July 12, 2025 3 min read

Global demand for skills in artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and digital learning is growing at an unprecedented rate, driving an inclusive and accelerated digital transformation across various regions, according to Coursera’s report.

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Colombia ranks at the forefront worldwide in adopting Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) skills, according to Coursera’s newly published 2025 Global Skills Report.

The country recorded a staggering 1017% year-over-year increase in enrollments in GenAI-related courses—the highest growth rate globally—vastly outpacing North America’s 135% and the global average of 195%.

This growth reflects a sustained momentum to build a digitally prepared workforce.

Christian Hernández, Coursera’s Director for Latin America, explains:

“What we are seeing in Colombia is extremely encouraging. The country’s learners are not only embracing the future of work but are also actively shaping it.”

Report Highlights

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Based on data from over 170 million learners worldwide, the report ranks Colombia 85th globally in overall skills proficiency and 11th within Latin America.

Colombian learners demonstrate strong capabilities with an 85% proficiency rate in business skills, 82% in technology, and 79% in data science.

Additionally, Colombia is positioned 63rd in Coursera’s new Artificial Intelligence Maturity Index, categorizing it as an emerging AI economy within the region.

This index assesses a country’s readiness in AI innovation, learning, and research by integrating platform data with external sources such as the IMF and OECD.

Growth in Key Skills

The surge in GenAI adoption is part of a broader trend.

Enrollments in critical thinking increased by 899%, while cybersecurity grew by 201%.

These figures underscore Colombians’ keen interest in developing both technical and human skills essential for today’s workplace.

Notably, inclusion is advancing: women represent 36% of GenAI course enrollments in Colombia.

This progress aligns with findings from the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Work Report, which identifies skill shortages as a major barrier to business transformation in Colombia.

Seventy-one percent of companies in the country are focused on reskilling and upskilling their workforce, and nearly 70% of employers plan to expand training programs over the next five years.

Hernández notes:

“The record growth in GenAI and critical thinking, combined with strides in inclusive participation, demonstrates that digital transformation in Colombia is a collective effort. We take pride in supporting this movement by collaborating with universities, businesses, and government to build a more skilled and resilient workforce.”

Key Findings in Colombia

AI Advancement: Colombia ranks 63rd in the AI Maturity Index, showing potential to become a regional hub.

Strengths in Business and Data: With 85% proficiency in business and 79% in data science, areas such as accounting, leadership, and data visualization stand out.

Accelerated Technical Growth: Cybersecurity enrollments grew 201%. Women make up 36% of GenAI course participants.

Rising Human Skills: Critical thinking surged 899%, and self-motivation increased by 26%, highlighting the importance of soft skills.

Growing Interest in Professional Credentials: While specific local figures are not disclosed, interest in Professional Certificates and career-focused learning pathways is rising, especially among young people seeking tangible employment outcomes.

With a community of 6.6 million learners in Colombia and an average age of 34, the platform observes a young, motivated population poised to thrive in an evolving digital economy.

The increasing demand for advanced skills places the country in a strategic position to close talent gaps and establish itself as a key player in Latin America’s technological transformation.

About the Report

The 2025 Global Skills Report is based on an analysis of data from over 170 million Coursera learners between March 2024 and February 2025.

It evaluates 274 skills across business, technology, and data science in 109 countries.

Rankings combine platform performance data with metrics from the World Bank and WIPO.

Additionally, the new AI Maturity Index integrates learning data with IMF and OECD indicators, offering a comprehensive view of each country’s readiness in AI innovation and adoption.