Jamaica Branded “Silicon Island” of The Caribbean Amid Great Development in Tech Hub Race

July 26, 2023

In the fast-paced world of technology, Jamaica has emerged as a promising destination to ride the rising tide.

Although renowned for its picturesque beaches and laid-back lifestyle, “Jamrock” is now making strides to establish itself as the next “Silicon Island,” following in the footsteps of tech hubs like Taiwan and Ireland.

The Jamaican government has shown its commitment to fostering tech talent with initiatives like the Amber Heart Coding Academy, a program launched in 2021 to train thousands of young Jamaicans in software development.

The program and previous investments in tech infrastructure and education through the Global Services Sector project, launched in 2019, have set the stage for Jamaica to become a competitive player in the tech hub race.

Proximity to the United States and its English-speaking population, coupled with a compatible time zone, serve as compelling selling points for the nation of 2.8 million people.

See the photo of Kingston Jamaica below:

Silicon Island of Caribbean

[ads2]

Additionally, competitive labour costs have attracted interest from companies beyond the Americas, including European tech firms seeking Customer Experience partners in the Caribbean.

Jamaica boasts over 85 operational companies generating nearly US$1 billion in annual revenue and employing over 60,000 people, making it the most mature outsourcing sector in the Caribbean.

Between 2020 and 2022, the nearshoring software development company, BairesDev, recorded an impressive 2,100% growth in hires from Jamaica.

Ibex Global will employ an estimated 1,500 people when they open their fifth location in Jamaica.

Its appeal as a nearshoring hotspot for U.S. tech companies has led to a surge in demand for software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence.

The allure of Jamaica also extends to digital nomad tech workers seeking a new frontier with novelty.

As the tech industry continues to soar, Jamaica is undoubtedly one to watch, with its aspirations set high as it sails to what’s current in tech innovation and embraces the moniker of “Silicon Island.”

[ads2]

N. Simpson