Tajikistan and EDB Deepen Partnership to Drive AI and Digital Transformation.
DUSHANBE: Tajikistan is stepping up efforts to digitalize its economy through a new partnership with the Eurasian Development Bank’s Digital Initiatives Fund (EDB DIF), aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies.
The Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan and the EDB DIF signed a memorandum of cooperation in Dushanbe during the AI Conf 2025 international conference. The agreement focuses on joint innovation projects, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in digital transformation.
AI Integration across Sectors
Key areas of collaboration include integrating AI into public administration, developing a multimodal large language model (LLM), and promoting initiatives in energy efficiency and cybersecurity.
“An Artificial Intelligence Council has been established under the ministry to supervise major national projects,” said Dauren Rakhimzhanov, Managing Director of the EDB’s Digital Initiatives Directorate.
“Under the new memorandum, we will jointly develop AI technologies, exchange expertise, and expand the portfolio of digital projects in the Republic of Tajikistan.”
The partnership also gives Tajikistan access to the EDB DIF’s financial and technical resources, including grant programs that support digital solutions with cross-border integration potential and technology sharing among EDB member states.
First Project: Electronic Map of Dushanbe
One of the first initiatives under the memorandum will be the “Electronic Map of Dushanbe”, a digital platform designed to support the city’s smart urban development. The EDB signed a grant financing agreement for the project with the state enterprise “Smart City” on September 24, 2025.
Regional Cooperation and Integration
Alexander Petrov, Director of the EDB Digital Initiatives Directorate, underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing AI and digital innovation.
“Strengthening collaboration in AI is essential — not only among EDB member states but also with global institutions,” Petrov said. “These projects facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to building a resilient digital ecosystem.”
He added that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries in the region have expressed interest in joining similar initiatives, describing such programs as a step toward deeper economic and technological integration across Eurasia.
