The $5 billion AI export plan gathering momentum in Central Asia

The $5 Billion AI Export Initiative Gaining Traction in Central Asia

The 5 billion AI export plan - Uzbekistan has set a goal of generating at least $5 billion in IT and AI service exports by 2030, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s economic strategy. The initiative aims to transform artificial intelligence from a policy focus into a core driver of growth, leveraging the country’s growing digital infrastructure. According to Sherzod Shermatov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies, the success of this plan hinges on three key factors: workforce development, investment in technology, and the integration of AI into both private and public sectors. This vision aligns with broader regional trends, as Central Asian nations increasingly seek to position themselves in the global digital economy.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s IT exports have surged dramatically. From less than $1 million in 2017, the sector now contributes nearly $1 billion annually, as reported by the National Statistics Committee. This growth underscores the country’s potential to scale up its digital services. However, Shermatov emphasized that the next phase of expansion will require more than just increased output—it will demand a skilled labor force, sustained investment, and the ability to apply AI solutions across diverse industries. At the Tashkent International Investment Forum, officials, entrepreneurs, and AI experts discussed these challenges, highlighting the need for infrastructure and innovation to meet rising global demand for digital services.

Central Asia’s digital landscape is being shaped by a youthful and tech-savvy population. By the start of 2025, over 9.6 million individuals aged 14 to 30 were counted as part of the country’s demographic, with internet penetration reaching 89% by year-end. These statistics signal a strong domestic foundation for digital education and training, yet the economic ambitions remain outward-facing. The government is actively working to convert this human capital into competitive advantages, particularly in AI-driven service exports. Recent data from the first quarter of 2026 shows IT Park participants alone achieved $191.8 million in service exports, a figure that reflects progress but also the need for continued momentum.

Strategic Focus on Talent and Infrastructure

As Uzbekistan transitions from outsourcing to higher-value digital services, the emphasis is on attracting multinational firms that require specialized talent and multilingual teams. Shermatov noted that the country’s goal is not merely to reduce outsourcing costs but to serve as a gateway for companies to access third markets. This includes both startups and established IT firms, with the government offering targeted support to foreign enterprises that establish back-office operations and create local jobs. The initiative also seeks to cultivate domestic AI capabilities, ensuring the nation can compete on a global scale.

“With AI, you need compute. For compute, you need energy,” said Shermatov, linking the expansion of data centers to Uzbekistan’s energy policy. He added that the nation aims to shift from exporting raw electricity to offering AI-driven data center services, which could unlock new revenue streams and strengthen its position in the tech sector.

Investors in AI data centers are being incentivized through a range of measures, including reduced electricity rates, tax-free environments, and exemptions on AI equipment imports. Rajit Nanda, CEO of DataVolt, highlighted that the demand for such infrastructure is fueled by the rapid adoption of AI across industries. However, he stressed that infrastructure alone is insufficient. “Capital, energy, and talent are all equally important,” Nanda explained, arguing that no single factor can ensure the success of AI integration without the others.

Uzbekistan’s efforts to build a robust AI ecosystem include the launch of its “5 Million AI Leaders” program. This initiative targets schools, universities, educators, and public officials, aiming to instill AI literacy across sectors. Over a million participants have already completed the program, according to Shermatov, who noted that the focus extends beyond engineering to include workers in fields like healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. Vladimir Norov, Chairman of the Central Asian Association for AI, echoed this sentiment, advocating for a regional approach that prioritizes both technical expertise and foundational understanding of AI technologies.

While the program is a step toward broader adoption, implementation remains a critical hurdle. Benedict Macon-Cooney, Chief AI and Innovation Officer at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, pointed out that governments often struggle to translate policy into action. “This is always the challenge of government,” Macon-Cooney remarked, emphasizing the need for concrete steps to connect talent, companies, and data infrastructure. He suggested that early gains may come from routine areas of public administration, such as streamlining forms, enhancing compliance checks, and improving tax and fraud detection systems. These applications, though seemingly simple, could yield significant efficiency improvements and serve as a testing ground for AI integration.

Regional Collaboration and Future Prospects

Central Asia’s potential in AI is not limited to Uzbekistan. Norov highlighted the region’s opportunity to focus on practical applications rather than competing with global giants like the United States or China in developing cutting-edge models. He argued that countries in the region could benefit more by concentrating on areas where AI can directly enhance productivity, such as education, healthcare, and logistics. By fostering collaboration across Central Asian nations, the region can create a shared digital ecosystem that supports innovation and economic growth.

Experts agree that Uzbekistan’s strategy is both ambitious and pragmatic. While the $5 billion target represents a major milestone, the path to achieving it requires continuous investment in education, infrastructure, and international partnerships. The government’s focus on data centers as a cornerstone of its AI plans is a strategic move, as these facilities provide the necessary compute power for cloud services and AI tools. Yet, as Shermatov acknowledged, the journey is far from complete. The challenge lies in ensuring that these resources are effectively utilized to drive long-term economic benefits.

As the Tashkent International Investment Forum underscores, Uzbekistan is not alone in its pursuit of digital transformation. The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, investors, and AI specialists, to discuss the opportunities and obstacles ahead. Their insights revealed a shared recognition of the need for systemic change, from policy frameworks to workforce training. The success of the AI export plan will depend on the nation’s ability to bridge the gap between vision and execution, creating a sustainable and competitive digital economy.

Looking ahead, the expansion of AI services in Uzbekistan could serve as a model for other Central Asian countries. By prioritizing education, infrastructure, and international collaboration, the nation aims to position itself as a key player in the global digital market. The road to $5 billion in exports will require sustained effort, but the groundwork is already being laid. As the demand for digital services continues to rise, Uzbekistan’s ability to harness its human and technological resources will determine its success in this new era of economic development.