Government officials say the strategy focuses on moving beyond traditional outsourcing by attracting investment in higher-value digital services, supported by a young workforce, expanding internet access and investments in technology infrastructure.
According to Digital Technologies Minister Sherzod Shermatov, Uzbekistan’s annual IT exports have increased from less than $1 million in 2017 to nearly $1 billion, reflecting rapid growth in the sector. He said the next stage of development will depend on strengthening technical skills, encouraging investment and expanding the use of AI across businesses and public institutions.
Speaking during the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Shermatov said Uzbekistan aims to become a regional hub for companies seeking skilled talent, multilingual service teams and delivery centres capable of serving international markets.
The country’s digital ambitions are supported by favorable demographics. Official figures show Uzbekistan had around 9.6 million people aged between 14 and 30 at the beginning of 2025, while internet penetration reached 89 percent by the end of the year. Authorities view this as a strong foundation for developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting future growth in AI and digital services.
Data from the National Statistics Committee showed that companies operating within IT Park generated $191.8 million in service exports during the first quarter of 2026. The government hopes to build on this momentum by attracting both established technology firms and startups looking to expand internationally.
Officials are also promoting investments in AI-related infrastructure, particularly data centres. Shermatov said growing demand for artificial intelligence requires substantial computing power, making reliable energy supplies essential. Rather than exporting electricity as a raw commodity, Uzbekistan plans to use its energy resources to support data centres that provide cloud computing and AI services for international clients.
To attract investors, the government is offering incentives including reduced electricity costs, tax exemptions, IT Park residency and duty-free imports of AI equipment.
Industry experts believe Uzbekistan’s opportunity lies in developing AI applications rather than competing directly with global leaders in building advanced AI models. Benedict Macon-Cooney, Chief AI and Innovation Officer at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, said countries such as Uzbekistan can benefit by connecting skilled workers, businesses and digital infrastructure to create services for global markets.
Alongside infrastructure development, Uzbekistan has launched its “5 Million AI Leaders” programme to improve artificial intelligence literacy. More than one million people have already completed the initiative, which targets students, teachers, government employees and workers across multiple industries.
Experts also stressed that wider AI adoption will depend on strong cybersecurity, reliable data systems and public trust. They said AI could improve government services through more efficient tax administration, compliance checks, fraud detection and public service delivery, while helping businesses increase productivity and competitiveness in international markets.
