SAN SALVADOR, January 3, 2026 – The Republic of El Salvador today unveiled its comprehensive 2026 National Development Framework, formally integrating its pioneering digital asset strategy with a new state-led artificial intelligence initiative. The government describes this dual-track model as a foundational shift toward building a sovereign, technology-driven economy.
Central to the announcement was the confirmation from the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) that the state’s strategic bitcoin holdings now stand at 7,517
$BTC . This treasury, established as a sovereign asset reserve, will serve as collateral and energy-basis for a new phase of public infrastructure investment.
The 2026 framework outlines the creation of "Techno-Economic Development Zones." These zones, powered entirely by the nation's surplus geothermal capacity, will host next-generation data centers. The government will offer a regulated, low-tax environment specifically designed for ventures in artificial intelligence, optimized computing, and decentralized digital infrastructure.
This strategic pivot follows the successful passage of the Digital Assets and Monetary Innovation Act in late 2025, which refined Bitcoin's legal status and facilitated a landmark $1.4 billion financing agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These funds are expressly allocated for modernizing the nation’s digital public goods.
A key pillar of the human-capital development plan is a partnership with xAI. The collaboration will pilot the "Grok Educational Companion" across a network of public schools, aiming to provide personalized tutoring support to students nationwide.
“We are moving beyond the concept of legal tender to the principle of ‘legal infrastructure,’” stated a senior government official. “Bitcoin represents energy-converted-to-value, and AI represents intelligence-converted-to-productivity. Together, they form the bedrock of our national efficiency and sovereignty model.”
The Ministry of Finance forecasts a 4% growth in GDP for 2026, attributing it directly to public and private investment in this new technological infrastructure. The state now formally recognizes cryptographic and AI systems not as speculative assets, but as core components of its long-term economic architecture.
About El Salvador's Digital Asset Initiative:
Launched in 2021, El Salvador's Bitcoin project has evolved into a multi-faceted strategy for financial inclusion, energy monetization, and technological sovereignty, managed under the mandate of the National Bitcoin Office.
For Media Inquiries:
Office of the President, Republic of El Salvador
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