Tajikistan is actively moving toward digital transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) and e-commerce creating new opportunities for the economy, businesses, and society.  A combination of efforts from local startups, international companies, and government initiatives is paving the way for sustainable development and the adoption of advanced technologies.

Artificial intelligence: a path to innovation

In 2021, Tajikistan became the first country in Central Asia to adopt a National AI Development Strategy through 2040.  This ambitious plan aims to integrate AI into key economic sectors, train specialists for the digital economy, and boost international competitiveness.

International partnerships play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Tajikistan and China have signed agreements on AI development, cloud computing, and big data technologies. Meanwhile, Huawei, a leading Chinese tech giant, has been a major player in Tajikistan’s digitalization efforts, implementing telecommunications, data processing, and AI infrastructure solutions.

Among local successes, startups zehn.ai and zypl.ai stand out: Zehn.ai developed the zGAN algorithm, which is used for automated credit assessment.  The technology has already helped banks in 10 countries issue loans totaling over US$200 million.

Zypl.ai is involved in building high-performance computing infrastructure to support AI development in Tajikistan.

Global tech leaders such as NVIDIA are also contributing to Tajikistan’s AI ecosystem.  In collaboration with the AI Council under the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, NVIDIA is adapting AI infrastructure to local data and providing educational materials through its Deep Learning Institute.  These initiatives help integrate cutting-edge AI solutions into local projects, fostering technological growth and innovation.

E-commerce: from technology to consumer

E-commerce is rapidly becoming a key pillar of Tajikistan’s digital economy. In 2023, the country’s GDP grew by 8.3%, with trade contributing 2.3 percentage points, according to analysts at the Eurasian Development Bank.

This sector provides Tajik entrepreneurs with new opportunities to enter international markets. AI-powered solutions in e-commerce help optimize business processes, enhance user experience, and improve market competitiveness. The expansion of digital commerce is expected to further boost Tajikistan’s GDP and strengthen its economic position.

Local innovations are playing a crucial role in this transformation.

Alif, a leading financial services company, introduced GulChatAI, an AI-powered shopping assistant. The "Gulya" chatbot on Alif Shop helps users find the perfect products by analyzing their clicks, orders, and preferences. It also suggests complementary items, making the shopping experience more personalized and convenient.

Wildberries, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Eurasia, is also leveraging AI-driven solutions to expand its presence in Tajikistan.

Digital Tajikistan Forum: a glimpse into the future

Tajikistan’s digitalization push is not limited to technological initiatives—it is also driven by major industry events. A key milestone in 2024 was the Digital Tajikistan International PLUS Forum, held in Dushanbe on November 25 with support from the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies and the National Bank of Tajikistan. The event gathered over 1,400 delegates, including key ministers and business leaders.

One of the main themes of the forum was “E-Commerce and Its Role in Enhancing Tajikistan’s Export Potential.”  Participants discussed how digital trade platforms could help expand the reach of Tajik goods and improve their competitiveness in international markets.  The forum also highlighted the AI Development Strategy and digital economy initiatives as crucial drivers of the country’s digital transformation.

Developing domestic AI technologies and attracting global tech leaders, especially in e-commerce, could serve as a major growth catalyst for Tajikistan’s economy.  In an era of global digital transformation, innovative approaches and new technologies are essential for both domestic development and international market expansion.