Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan

According to year-end results, IT exports approached $1 billion, while the number of companies with foreign capital increased by 1,354. Uzbek firms now export IT services to more than 90 countries. At the same time, nearly $2 billion in foreign direct investment was attracted to artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

The startup ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with the number of startups increasing tenfold and total investment exceeding $300 million. These outcomes reflect the favorable business environment created in the country and sustained political commitment to sectoral development.

Uzbekistan is increasingly viewed as a reliable and attractive destination for international IT companies. Owing to incentives and infrastructure development in the regions, growth is no longer concentrated solely in the capital, with regional centers emerging as new hubs of IT activity.

As Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov noted, a clear strategic vision, a robust legal framework, targeted financing, and economic liberalization have elevated the IT industry to a new level.

The country’s digital ecosystem is drawing growing interest from global technology firms. EPAM Systems, which employs more than 60,000 specialists across over 55 countries, began operations in Uzbekistan in 2019 with five employees. Its qualified local personnel has since expanded to more than 600.

Similarly, Ivention, operating in Europe and ten other countries, has also identified Uzbekistan as a strategic partner, establishing its fastest-growing branch in the country. Over the past year, the company’s operations expanded by more than 40 percent.

Development of the IT sector is progressing across all regions. Tax incentives, preferential conditions for residents, and the “Zero Risk” program have created new opportunities for foreign companies to operate outside Tashkent. The experience of Techno Fort, which launched operations in the Jizzakh region, illustrates the growing IT potential of the regions.

Data centers are becoming a core component of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s Data Volt plans to implement 500 MW of green energy projects in Uzbekistan with total investments of $3 billion. Construction has already begun on a 12 MW data center in Tashkent, supported by $150 million in investment.

Reforms in digitalization and artificial intelligence have also received positive assessments from major technology companies. Experts from Meta and Google have noted progress in Uzbekistan’s AI and digital transformation initiatives.

The President has identified the development of digital infrastructure across all regions as a national priority. Practical steps are underway to transform Karakalpakstan into a data hub, alongside the introduction of special incentives for investors.

In the Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan delivered on December 26, it was noted that $270 million in foreign investment had been attracted to startups in the IT, fintech, and artificial intelligence sectors. Plans for the coming year include the launch of four data centers, two supercomputers, and artificial intelligence laboratories at 15 universities nationwide.

These reforms and achievements were highlighted in the documentary The Path of Renaissance, produced by the Uzbekistan 24 television channel, which detailed the country’s progress in digitalization and artificial intelligence.