On Tuesday December 17, the World Bank approved a comprehensive project to enhance digital services and improve digital skills in Tajikistan, including dedicated interventions targeting rural areas.
The press release issued by the World Bank says the initiative aims to improve the delivery of digitally-enabled public services and boost digital literacy, fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy.
The Tajikistan Digital Foundations Project, with a total funding of US$39 million, is supported by an International Development Association (IDA) grant of US$30 million and an initial US$9 million grant from the Government of Switzerland.
"This project represents a significant step towards advancing the digital economy in Tajikistan,” said Ozan Sevimli, World Bank Group Country Manager for Tajikistan. “By enhancing digital services and skills, it aims to foster innovation, improve connectivity, and empower communities. The initiative intends to address the digital divide and generate new opportunities for everyone, including the private sector."
The project will benefit citizens, businesses, and the government by enhancing the quality, accessibility, and transparency of public services. In addition, over 28,000 individuals will gain digital skills, with 2,000 targeted by advanced courses aimed at improving job prospects. The extension of resilient broadband connectivity to at least 100 schools (and public entities in the vicinity) will improve learning environments and contribute to narrowing the digital divide in rural areas.
Businesses will benefit from a more conducive and safer legal and regulatory framework that will enhance trust in digital transactions, improved government-to-business (G2B) services and digital platforms, a growing digital-savvy consumer base, and strengthened digital talent. The project will also provide catalytic public funding to expand school connectivity, with the objective to mobilize private capital to bring internet connectivity in today’s unconnected areas.
The project is supported by the Government of Switzerland and will be implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The Project Implementation Center (PIC) under President’s Executive Office will lead the project and implement these activities in collaboration with the Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (AIDT), the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT), the State Unitary Enterprise Smart City (SUE SC) and others.
This initiative underscores the World Bank's commitment to fostering digital transformation and economic resilience in Tajikistan, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. By leveraging digital technologies, the project aims to create a more connected and empowered society, capable of meeting the challenges of the digital age.
