Latin America is a rising star in the nearshoring landscape, especially for U.S., Canadian, and other Western markets. Colombia, in particular, has become a standout destination, rapidly gaining recognition for its vibrant tech scene and vast talent pool. As the Gateway to South America, this country offers more than just a convenient location — it’s a strategic choice for businesses facing severe talent shortages across industries.

With its multilingual workforce, improving infrastructure, and strong cultural alignment, Colombia is capturing the attention of businesses of all sizes, from small firms to Forbes-ranked industry leaders. Whether you want to tap into its emerging tech sector or leverage its growing economy, Colombia has the resources to support your business growth and success.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need about nearshoring to Colombia. From the country’s strength in education and work culture to practical takeaways for your BPO strategy, you’ll discover why this Latin American hub is quickly becoming the go-to destination for forward-thinking companies like yours. 

What is Nearshoring?

Before discussing the many advantages of Colombian nearshoring, let’s quickly recap the concept. 

Nearshoring involves moving services closer to your home country, allowing for seamless communication and collaboration. This is a game-changer for businesses, fostering a working environment that prioritizes efficiency while nurturing stronger relationships with partners who truly understand your market dynamics. With reduced time zone differences, language barriers are minimized, and real-time interaction becomes the norm.

Now, with a clearer picture of nearshoring, let’s get into the meat of our discussion.

Colombia’s Skilled Workforce: The Ideal Solution for Nearshore Outsourcing Success

Colombia boasts the third-largest labor force in Latin America, comprising an impressive 23 million workers. Around 600,000 are employed in dynamic call centers and BPOs, showcasing the country’s growing significance in the outsourcing industry.

It has positioned itself as a top contender for nearshoring in recent years, mainly due to its diverse and highly skilled workforce. Businesses across various sectors find value in the country’s talent pool, which can enhance their operations and help them remain competitive in the global market.

With 65.03% of the workforce in the services sector, the country’s economy is primed for growth, particularly in industries like IT, engineering, customer service, and finance.

A Growing IT Sector

As the reigning Silicon Valley of Latin America, the country’s IT sector is booming. In 2021, Colombia became the third-largest IT market in Latin America, with revenues exceeding $1.81 billion. The country’s investment in tech education has resulted in a rich talent pool, with over 333,000 students graduating in computer engineering and related programs between 2010 and 2021. These skilled professionals excel in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data science, and blockchain.

The country’s IT spending reflects this growth, with $290 million allocated to applications, $207 million to application development, and $165 million to system infrastructure software in recent years. Additionally, the demand for AI platforms saw a 38% compound annual growth rate between 2016 and 2020.

Colombia’s commitment to digital transformation, its skilled workforce, and its innovative approach position it as a critical hub for businesses looking to stay ahead in a competitive global market.

Bilingual Talent: Bridging Global Markets

One of Colombia’s standout advantages is its growing pool of bilingual professionals, particularly those fluent in English. Thanks to national initiatives like the Foreign Languages Competencies Development Programme, Colombia has made significant strides in enhancing English language proficiency. 

Currently, 68% of employers in Colombia consider English an essential skill when hiring, and 81% rate its importance at seven or higher on a scale of one to ten. Nearly 45% of employers use English with external clients, underscoring bilingualism’s critical role in global business interactions. Additionally, 59% of Colombians believe that English improves employability, making bilingual talent highly sought after by multinational companies.

By bridging language barriers, Colombia’s bilingual workforce allows businesses to expand seamlessly into global markets. Combined with the country’s technical expertise, these professionals become invaluable assets for companies looking to scale internationally and tap into new regions.

Strong Technical and Vocational Training

Colombia’s strong focus on technical and vocational training plays a vital role in equipping its workforce for the demands of modern industries. Institutions like Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) offer specialized technical training, producing well-prepared workers in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to customer service and engineering. This practical, hands-on approach ensures Colombian professionals possess the skills directly applicable to the job market.

With this emphasis on technical training, Colombia’s workforce is ready to tackle the complexities of modern business, making the country an ideal destination for industries that require skilled professionals with specialized knowledge.

Let’s take a closer look at how the country’s educational system continues to nurture and develop this talent.

The Crucial Role of Education in Colombia’s Workforce Development

Colombia’s education system is pivotal in shaping a workforce well-aligned with global business demands. With targeted investments and strategic initiatives, the country is building a foundation that meets today’s needs and anticipates tomorrow’s challenges.

University Education: Building Expertise for the Future

Colombia’s educational landscape has significantly transformed, particularly in its universities, which increasingly offer specialized engineering, technology, and business programs. 

According to the QS World University Rankings, Colombia is home to four universities that rank among the top 20 in Latin America, including Andes University (6th), and the National University of Colombia, which is in (12th). This makes the country a hub for academic excellence within the region, capable of producing highly skilled professionals.

The strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) positions Colombia’s workforce as highly competitive globally. From 2010 to 2021, over 333,000 students graduated from computer engineering and related programs in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Bucaramanga. 

Government Initiatives: Supporting Higher Education and Specialized Training

The Colombian government has proactively championed higher education and specialized training to equip its workforce with the skills necessary for success in today’s competitive job market. Through a series of scholarship programs and targeted incentives, the government aims to enhance accessibility to education while ensuring that graduates possess the expertise demanded by key industries such as IT, engineering, and finance.

SENA alone trains over 9 million Colombians annually, providing specialized instruction in crucial industries. The government also has initiatives like Jóvenes en Acción to equip young Colombians with the necessary tools for successful careers, thereby driving economic development and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.

International Collaboration: Enhancing Curriculum and Research

Partnerships between Colombian institutions and global universities further enrich Colombia’s educational landscape. These collaborations are designed to enhance curricula and provide research opportunities that align with international standards. This global perspective ensures that Colombian graduates are well-prepared and adaptable to the demands of the global market.

Colombia’s Work Culture: Your Gateway to Seamless Global Integration

Colombia’s work culture is a powerful asset for companies looking to expand internationally. With a robust work ethic and remarkable adaptability, the country’s workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of the global marketplace, fostering environments that drive collaboration and results.

A Strong Work Ethic: Commitment You Can Count On

Colombians are celebrated for their unwavering dedication to their work. Whether facing tight deadlines or striving to exceed business goals, they exhibit a commitment crucial for global enterprises seeking consistent, high-quality performance from their teams. This reliability not only enhances productivity but also builds trust among international partners.

Adaptability: Thriving in Diverse Environments

Colombian professionals shine in their ability to thrive in diverse work environments. Their quick learning abilities enable them to embrace new processes and technologies, making them invaluable assets in industries characterized by rapid change. This adaptability ensures that teams remain agile and responsive, allowing businesses to stay ahead in a fast-paced world.

Cultural Compatibility: Easing Integration and Fostering Collaboration

One of the most appealing aspects of Colombia as a nearshoring destination is its cultural compatibility with Western business practices. This alignment simplifies integration and enhances collaboration, reducing friction and facilitating smoother operations across borders. With shared values and communication styles, Colombian teams can seamlessly align with global counterparts.

Strong U.S.-Colombia Ties: A Foundation for Growth

The relationship between the United States and Colombia has flourished over the years, marked by a shared commitment to democracy, security, and economic prosperity. Established diplomatic ties since 1822 have paved the way for deep cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement has further strengthened this partnership, eliminating tariffs and creating a favorable environment for business.

Colombia is not just a strategic nearshoring destination; it’s also a crucial ally in addressing regional challenges, such as the Venezuelan crisis. With substantial U.S. investments in Colombia’s economy, American companies can leverage Colombia’s skilled workforce and robust infrastructure to enhance their global operations. This synergy fosters an environment where businesses can thrive, making the U.S.-Colombia partnership a compelling foundation for future growth.

Companies can unlock global growth and success by tapping into Colombia’s vibrant work culture and strong U.S. ties.

Operational and Logistical Gains: How Nearshoring to Colombia Transforms Global Business

Beyond its rich talent pool and vibrant work culture, Colombia is the ideal partner for businesses seeking optimization and efficiency.

Strategic Location: Your Gateway to the Americas

Colombia’s prime location is a game-changer for your supply chain. 

Nestled within two time zones of major cities in the Americas, it is a strategic hub for service exports. But that’s not all — businesses here also enjoy the perks of free trade zones, unlocking a range of incentives while staying at the forefront of global trade trends. As the gateway to emerging South American markets, Colombia provides unparalleled access to new growth opportunities.

Proximity to North America: Seamless Operations and Collaboration

The advantage of nearshoring to Colombia lies in its proximity to North America. With shorter travel times, business leaders can effortlessly manage and oversee operations. The alignment of Colombian and U.S. business hours fosters real-time communication, enhancing collaboration and minimizing delays. This synergy is vital for U.S.-based companies looking to streamline their processes.

Culturally and geographically connected to the U.S., Colombia’s close relationship with its primary outsourcing market makes it easy for teams to collaborate without the hassle of significant time zone adjustments. With regulatory frameworks similar to those in the U.S., clients can rest easy knowing their concerns about intellectual property and compliance are well-managed.

Stable Economic Environment: A Secure Base for Growth

As the fourth-largest economy in Latin America, Colombia is a beacon of economic stability. Its growing market, combined with a supportive political landscape, creates an ideal backdrop for business operations. 

The country is rolling out the red carpet for the BPO sector, with its government taking significant strides to simplify and streamline administrative processes. By cutting through the bureaucratic red tape and implementing user-friendly electronic systems for business registration and licensing, Colombia is making it easier than ever for companies to establish and thrive in this vibrant market.

To further entice investment and spur economic growth, the public sector has created special economic zones (SEZs), packed with incentives and benefits tailored for businesses. This strategic move attracts foreign investment and invigorates specific regions across the country.

In addition, Colombia boasts dedicated agencies like ProColombia, which actively promote investment opportunities and offer robust support for foreign companies looking to outsource their operations. 

With substantial improvements in security and stability, Colombia has emerged as a reputable and safe outsourcing destination. As the country continues to enhance its business-friendly environment, it’s positioning itself as a premier choice for companies seeking to expand their global footprint.

Infrastructure and Connectivity: Driving Efficiency

Colombia is on the fast track to becoming a global tech player thanks to remarkable infrastructure and digital connectivity improvements. Enhanced transportation networks are revolutionizing logistics, ensuring goods move swiftly and seamlessly across the country. This efficiency is a game-changer for supply chain management, enabling businesses to respond quickly to market demands.

On the digital front, the country’s robust connectivity fosters effortless communication and rapid data transfer, essential for tech-driven enterprises. These advancements bolster the reliability of nearshoring operations and create an environment ripe for innovation and growth. 

Strategizing Your Nearshoring Efforts

To fully capitalize on Colombia’s operational and logistical advantages, businesses must craft strategic nearshoring plans emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The country’s strategic location, economic resilience, and strong infrastructure make it a compelling choice for companies eager to expand their global footprint.

For companies aiming to streamline global operations and seize new market opportunities, Colombia stands ready to support your success in the international arena.

Why SuperStaff is Your Best Choice for Nearshoring to Colombia

As a company with deep expertise in the region, SuperStaff offers unmatched access to Colombia’s highly skilled and adaptable workforce. With SuperStaff, you gain a nearshoring partner who understands the nuances of operating in Colombia, from its robust infrastructure to its cultural compatibility with Western business practices. This means smoother integration, enhanced communication, and a reliable team that aligns seamlessly with your global goals, ensuring efficiency and results from day one.

SuperStaff also provides end-to-end support, helping you navigate the complexities of nearshoring while delivering the flexibility and scalability your business needs to grow. Whether you’re looking to optimize costs, improve turnaround times, or expand into new markets, we offer tailored solutions that align with your business objectives. By partnering with us you can harness Colombia’s advantages while benefiting from a dedicated team that prioritizes your success at every stage of your nearshoring journey.