Uzbekistan, a country of 40 million people, is undergoing a digital transformation at an accelerated pace. This expansion makes the country a leading regional powerhouse in tech innovation. Since then, the country has passed a series of proactive reforms and fostered a welcoming environment for foreign investment. These initiatives have ignited an explosive path forward in the technology industry. With more than a million babies born each year, Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing population offers an enticing opportunity for tech-powered innovations.
Since 2017, Uzbekistan has carried out sweeping reforms to open its economy. These reforms have not only attracted foreign investment but have fostered an environment more conducive to innovation. The country boasts more than 9,700 ICT firms. The hub also has one of the biggest workforces—about 200,000 tech workers—that powers this innovation and is increasingly attracting new talent to fuel even more technological advancements.
The digital economy in general has become one of the most important factors for Uzbekistan’s overall economic growth. In the tech services sector, the sector has already reached a remarkable €4.1 billion total turnover and exports professional tech services to 90 countries. On top of that, projections show that mobile’s economic impact across Eurasia will reach €238 billion by 2030.
One of the more impressive benefits stemming from Uzbekistan’s burgeoning mobile economy is the positive multiplier effect it has on GDP. Each $1 increase in the global mobile economy produces $6 in global GDP. When governments create investment-friendly environments and key sectors like banking or transport integrate mobile tech, the benefits are shared by all,” stated Vivek Badrinath, Director General of GSMA.
To further bolster its technological landscape, Uzbekistan has introduced initiatives such as a Presidential $1 million tech award aimed at supporting start-ups and fostering digital entrepreneurship. The establishment of a national AI Center underscores the country’s commitment to developing its AI ecosystem, with Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev emphasizing its importance: “We are building our AI ecosystem with initiatives such as the creation of a national AI Center. This center will help further research, education, and help build more tech-centered startups, serving as an anchor to healthy the entire ingredients of the ecosystem.
Uzbekistan’s remarkable transformation over the past few years has been well documented. Kaan Terzioğlu, CEO of VEON, remarked, “Uzbekistan has undergone one of the most successful transformations in the world.” On the international front, the country has gone far beyond its own borders to achieve remarkable accomplishments. This progress sheds light on its achievements in digital transformation and economic liberalization.
Leave a Reply