diff --git a/gnu/system/shadow.scm b/gnu/system/shadow.scm
index b4db69f068..f800c3b546 100644
--- a/gnu/system/shadow.scm
+++ b/gnu/system/shadow.scm
@@ -210,7 +210,17 @@ (define copy-guile-wm
          ((module-ref module 'activate-readline))))
       (else
        (display \"Consider installing the 'guile-readline' package for
-convenient interactive line editing and input history.\\n\\n\")))\n"))
+convenient interactive line editing and input history.\\n\\n\")))
+
+      (unless (getenv \"INSIDE_EMACS\")
+        (cond ((false-if-exception (resolve-interface '(ice-9 colorized)))
+               =>
+               (lambda (module)
+                 ;; Enable completion and input history at the REPL.
+                 ((module-ref module 'activate-colorized))))
+              (else
+               (display \"Consider installing the 'guile-colorized' package
+for a colorful Guile experience.\\n\\n\"))))\n"))
       (".guile-wm" ,guile-wm)
       (".gdbinit" ,gdbinit))))