Photo: yuz.uz
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has directed government agencies to begin work on creating a “Digital Government,” marking the next stage in the country’s development of electronic public services. Priority areas for digital transformation include healthcare, education, construction, and utilities, according to the presidential press service. The initiative was discussed on July 1 during a presentation on advanced technology development plans.
Officials reported that 760 types of public services have already been digitized, with 10 million citizens using them last year. The government pledged to continue expanding digital access.
Other major initiatives are also underway. Uzbekistan has adopted a national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence (AI), allocating $50 million to build the necessary infrastructure. The government aims to develop a national AI model and train 1 million specialists in the field.
Expanding the volume and export of IT services remains a top priority. While most tech companies are currently concentrated in Tashkent, authorities are working to create a more business-friendly environment in the regions to attract foreign firms.
The presentation also highlighted Uzbekistan’s recent achievements in the tech sector:
– The number of IT Park residents has surpassed 2,800, including 752 foreign companies.
– Approximately 40,000 young professionals employed in IT now earn high salaries.
– IT exports have surged from $170 million to nearly $1 billion over the past five years.
– Internet speed has increased sevenfold, and mobile internet is now 4.5 times faster.
– Startups raised $70 million in venture funding in 2024 alone.
As a result, Uzbekistan has climbed 12 positions in the Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking, entering the top 100 for the first time. The country also rose 17 spots in the Global AI Readiness Index, making it the regional leader in Central Asia.
Looking ahead to 2026, the government has set ambitious targets:
✅ Digitize 70% of public services;
✅ Increase IT service exports to 100 trillion soms (approx. $7.8 billion);
✅ Climb to at least 55th place in the UN E-Government Development Index.
