The Tajik government has introduced the E-Commerce Program for 2025-2029, aimed at fostering the development of the digital economy and e-commerce in the country. However, one of the key factors for the successful implementation of this program is the quality and speed of the internet, raising questions about the readiness of the telecommunications infrastructure to support such ambitious plans.
The E-Commerce Program for 2025-2029 was adopted by government’s decree of May 16 this year. The document is aimed at expanding electronic commerce, creating opportunities to reduce the costs associated with the organization of trade, simplify trade procedures, and conduct non-cash transactions in a short time.
It is expected that the Program will be implemented at the expense of the state budget, technical assistance from development partners, attracting foreign direct investment, private sector funds, as well as other sources.
The authors of the Program note that the Government of Tajikistan has identified the development of the digital economy in the country as a priority area, and therefore it is planned to adopt a number of strategic documents.
Main objectives of the Program
The E-Commerce Program has the following goals: expanding e-commerce (simplifying trade procedures, reducing trade organization costs, and accelerating cashless payments); developing digital skills (enhancing financial literacy among the population and entrepreneurs, and supporting e-logistics; and creating support infrastructure (opening service centers for e-commerce and fulfillment centers).
The overall budget of the program is 305.9 million somonis (approximately $30 million), with the majority coming from the government, development partners, and the private sector.
Current e-commerce situation in Tajikistan
Currently, the e-commerce market in Tajikistan is limited, with classified ad websites like Somon.tj, which is used by over 600,000 people monthly, being the primary platforms. However, payment and delivery of goods often do not rely on the Internet, slowing down the sector’s growth.
The share of cashless payments in the country grew from 4.7% in 2017 to 19.6% in 2023, showing some progress.
In 2023, a unified QR code system was also introduced, streamlining electronic payment processes.
Telecommunications challenges
Significant improvements in internet infrastructure are necessary for the implementation of the E-Commerce Program.
Currently, only 21 percent of Tajikistan’s population has access to the internet, placing the country among the lowest in the Central Asian region in terms of internet penetration.
Key issues in the telecommunications sector include: high costs for international data transmission and equipment; lack of local hosting and domestic content, increasing dependence on international data sources; and low competition among mobile operators.
Most mobile companies in the country rely on fiber optic lines through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to connect to major Russian networks and transit cables between Europe and Asia. This makes the internet expensive for both providers and end-users, limiting demand for digital services.
Conclusion
Tajikistan’s current telecommunications infrastructure faces many challenges, such as high internet service prices and low network coverage. A successful shift to e-commerce will require significant improvements, including investments in telecommunications, the development of local content, and broader internet access for the population.
