Uzbekistan's $5B AI export plan gains momentum, reshaping Central Asia's tech landscape

Uzbekistan is targeting at least $5 billion in IT and AI service exports by 2030, shifting artificial intelligence from a policy priority into a broader economic sector. The plan, discussed at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, combines data center infrastructure, energy policy, and a large-scale AI literacy program to attract foreign tech companies and build export-oriented digital services.

What happened

Annual IT exports have grown from under $1 million in 2017 to nearly $1 billion in 2026, according to Sherzod Shermatov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Digital Technologies. The government's 5 Million AI Leaders program has reached over one million participants, aiming to spread AI literacy across schools, universities, and public officials. Service exports by IT Park participants reached $191.8 million in the first quarter of 2026. The country has 9.6 million people aged 14 to 30 and 89% internet penetration, providing a domestic base for digital training.

Why AI builders should care

For teams building AI products or workflows, Uzbekistan's strategy signals a new hub for multilingual delivery centers and AI-enabled services. The government is offering incentives including cheaper electricity, IT Park residency, a tax-free environment, and exemptions from import duties on AI equipment. Data centers are positioned as infrastructure for cloud services and AI tools, not as standalone goals. Benedict Macon-Cooney of the Tony Blair Institute noted that countries like Uzbekistan may find opportunities in AI services and applications rather than competing with the US or China on frontier models.

Practical implications

Early gains are expected in public administration: forms, compliance checks, tax administration, and fraud detection. These areas can produce real savings if governments have strong data systems. For AI builders, this means potential demand for AI tools tailored to government workflows, multilingual support, and compliance automation. The emphasis on energy policy is also notable: instead of exporting electricity as a raw resource, Uzbekistan wants to sell it "in the form of AI data centre services", as Shermatov put it.

Caveats

The plan's success depends on implementation capabilities and cybersecurity trust. Fraud, cyberattacks, and data misuse could damage public confidence. Specific project milestones and dates may shift. The evidence is based on interviews and announcements at the Tashkent forum; updated reporting may provide more detail on timelines and concrete investments.

FAQs

What is Uzbekistan's $5 billion AI export plan and its 2030 goal?

The plan targets at least $5 billion in IT and AI service exports by 2030, aiming to turn AI from a policy priority into a broader economic sector.

How will Uzbekistan increase IT services exports to $5 billion by 2030?

Uzbekistan plans to raise exports through a combination of AI data centers, multilingual delivery centers, and incentives for foreign companies to establish back-office operations in the country. Expansion of IT Park residency programs and exemptions on imports for AI equipment are part of the policy mix.

What role do data centers play in Uzbekistan's AI and IT export strategy?

Data centers are described as infrastructure to support cloud services, AI tools, and digital exports, with energy policy seen as a key enabler. The government wants to sell electricity "in the form of AI data centre services" rather than as a raw resource.

What incentives exist for IT and AI companies in Uzbekistan?

Incentives include cheaper electricity, IT Park residency, a tax-free environment, and exemptions from import duties on AI equipment. Foreign start-ups can also qualify for support if they create back-office operations and jobs in Uzbekistan.