Uzbekistan accelerates digital transformation: focus on AI, exports and the "Digital State"

Uzbekistan has recorded a sharp growth in the digital sector, which has become one of the strategic engines of the economy. As of mid-2025, the country's export of IT services has reached $ 1 billion - almost six times more than in previous years.

The key drivers of growth were residents of the IT park, whose number exceeded 2,800 companies. Of these, 752 are foreign participants, which indicates the growing confidence of foreign investors in the local ecosystem. About 40 thousand young professionals are involved in the market, which indicates a strong human resource potential.

Improving the digital infrastructure has also played an important role. The average Internet speed in the country has increased by 7 times, and mobile communication has become 4.5 times faster. In 2023 alone, Uzbek startups managed to attract about $ 70 million in venture capital investments.

Uzbekistan has strengthened its position in the global rankings. The country rose 12 places in the world ranking of startup ecosystems, entering the top 100, and took first place in Central Asia on the Index of readiness for artificial intelligence, improving its position by 17 points. In addition, the highest growth rates of the telecommunications industry among the CIS countries were recorded.

The next strategic step is the transition to a "Digital State" model. Currently, 760 types of public services have been digitized, which last year were used by about 10 million citizens. The plan for 2025 includes digitization of 70% of all public services, increasing the volume of IT services provided to 100 trillion soums and reaching at least 55th place in the global e-government development rating.

$ 50 million has been allocated for the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure. By 2030, it is planned to create a national AI model and train 1 million specialists in this field. The work is carried out within the framework of the strategy approved by the presidential decree of October 2024.

Although the main digital activity is concentrated in Tashkent, the need for uniform distribution of technological progress across regions is indicated. Given the growing flow of relocators and interest from foreign companies, the government is striving to create a competitive and inclusive digital ecosystem at the national level.