IT and digitization

Information and Communication Technologies Sector

The information and communication technologies (ICT) sector and the digital economy in Tajikistan are at an early stage of development. To create a modern, transparent, and competitive investment climate, the Government has identified rapid digital transformation and the development of innovative technologies as strategic priorities.

In this context, the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan was established, and the years 2025–2030 have been declared the “Years of Development of the Digital Economy and Innovation.”

The active promotion of the concepts of the “green economy” and the “digital economy” reflects the state's comprehensive focus on sustainable development. Environmental initiatives, combined with digital technologies, create a foundation for long-term economic growth, help mitigate the environmental crisis, and ensure the rational use of resources.

The country’s unique energy balance — with 98 percent of energy production coming from renewable sources — is a key asset, enabling the satisfaction of domestic energy needs and the stable operation of IT infrastructure. The country’s strategic goal of achieving 100 percent green economy by 2037 opens additional opportunities for investment and the development of green technologies.

To stimulate the development of innovative projects, various modern financing mechanisms are being introduced. The creation of a Fund for Funds provides for the implementation of mechanisms such as venture funds, crowdfunding, foreign direct investment (FDI), business angels, public-private partnership funds, and others. This enables financial support both for early-stage startups and for large, sustainable projects.

The authorized state body in the field of innovation and digital transition has a high level of competence and qualified personnel. Sectoral authorities promote the development of areas such as IoT, AI, Blockchain, GovTech, E-Gov, E-Commerce, CyberSecurity, Green Data Centers, Neo Banking, AgroTech, Industry 4.0/5.0, Digital Assets, CryptoCurrency, E-Documentation, E-Signature, DigitalTech, Digital Transformation, and others.

The country is developing its Electronic Government, and systematic efforts are underway to integrate all structures of the executive authorities into this system. Other electronic services, such as e-commerce, e-education, e-healthcare, and e-banking services, are not yet fully implemented.

Currently, among the 64 cities and districts of the country, only the capital, Dushanbe, has implemented the "Smart City" system with the use of modern video surveillance technologies. Efforts are underway to implement such systems in the cities of Bokhtar, Khujand, Vahdat, Tursunzade, and Panjakent. Other cities and districts are awaiting investment in this important area.

The Republic of Tajikistan also pays special attention to the development of artificial intelligence. In 2022, the Government adopted the "Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Republic of Tajikistan until 2040."

Based on this program, some startups, such as Zypl.ai, Epsilon3.ai, AION, and Zehn.ai, have rapidly developed and have already established themselves in the artificial intelligence market not only in Central Asia but also internationally. The success of these companies demonstrates Tajikistan’s significant potential in this field, especially due to its talented youth.

In 2024, Tajikistan launched its first IT park with all necessary conditions, providing startups with access to infrastructure and consulting services, as well as tax, rental, and other economic incentives. More than 10 domestic and foreign companies are currently registered as residents of the IT park.

Thanks to the opportunity for remote work, the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is actively developing. Tajikistan has all the prerequisites to provide high-quality IT services to foreign clients and to strengthen its position in the global market.

Tajikistan is actively developing in the FinTech sector, especially in terms of applying modern artificial intelligence technologies, including for creditworthiness assessments. These measures will reduce risks for commercial banks, promote the development of financial technologies, enhance competitiveness, and create new investment opportunities.

AgroTech is contributing to improving production efficiency, optimizing resource supply, and creating new business models aimed at the sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex.

To support the development of digital technologies and innovation, the Government has introduced numerous tax and customs incentives, which investors and entrepreneurs can widely use.

Internet access, including via fiber-optic lines, has potential for expansion in Tajikistan through investment attraction. According to government instructions, a 5G network must be deployed nationwide in the shortest possible time.

Cashless payments, whose transition is mandated by the Presidential Decree of June 22, 2023, No. 586, are another area requiring the development of information and communication technologies and the provision of high-speed Internet. In developed countries, cashless payments account for 80–90 percent of all transactions, whereas in Tajikistan, this figure is only 30 percent.

Currently, the number of companies operating in Tajikistan in the ICT and artificial intelligence sectors is relatively small. While Kazakhstan has over 5,000 companies, Uzbekistan over 1,500, and Kyrgyzstan over 300, Tajikistan has just over 250.

Thus, the electronic services market in Tajikistan is in its early stages, and there are numerous opportunities for investment in this important sector.

In this regard, investments in the following areas of ICT and artificial intelligence sector development are particularly attractive:

• Provision of high-speed Internet, including 5G networks, hosting, and cloud services;
• Establishment of data centers and digital platforms to enhance information security and data storage;
• Development of new artificial intelligence applications for various services;
• Creation of innovative platforms for digital entrepreneurship and digital markets;
• Establishment of e-commerce platforms;
• Creation of banks offering modern electronic services;
• Development of electronic service platforms in education, healthcare, labor, and social protection sectors;
• Implementation of electronic payment systems in energy, transport, housing, and utilities sectors;
• Organization of electronic leisure and entertainment services;
• Implementation of "Smart City" systems in cities and districts across the country.

Overall, considering the rapid development of digital technologies and the fact that Tajikistan is at an early stage of development in this area, there are numerous opportunities for investment in this fast-growing sector that can be widely utilized by both foreign and domestic investors.

An analysis of investment opportunities in the ICT and information technologies sector of Tajikistan shows that, thanks to comprehensive government policies, innovative strategies, and active integration of advanced technologies, the ICT and IT sector in Tajikistan is becoming one of the most promising areas for investment in the coming years.