With over 60% of Uzbekistan’s population under 30, the country is making significant investments in youth empowerment and economic participation. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has introduced groundbreaking initiatives to create more opportunities for young people, focusing on employment, education, and entrepreneurship.
A Meeting of Minds: Addressing Youth Challenges
On February 17, 2025, President Mirziyoyev met with youth representatives from across Uzbekistan to discuss their challenges and aspirations. The gathering underscored the nation’s commitment to its young citizens, unveiling policies aimed at furthering youth development. Key announcements included the formation of a dedicated youth bank, enhanced tax incentives for companies employing young professionals, and an expansion of the successful ‘Yoshlar Daftari’ (Youth Notebook) program.
The Impact of ‘Yoshlar Daftari’
Launched eight years ago, the ‘Yoshlar Daftari’ initiative has been instrumental in improving youth employment, entrepreneurship, and education. Newly released data reveals that youth unemployment has decreased by 50%, academic qualifications have significantly increased, and the number of young entrepreneurs has tripled.
Through more than UZS 345 billion (US$26.4 million) in financial assistance, the program has supported 155,000 young people, helping students, young professionals, and budding entrepreneurs achieve their ambitions. Notably, 40% of Uzbekistan’s business community now consists of young people, illustrating their growing role in the national economy.
The initiative has also yielded remarkable academic advancements. The number of Master’s students has surged seven-fold, and state-funded tuition has led to an eleven-fold increase in female Master’s students, promoting gender equality in education. Additionally, the number of young researchers earning academic degrees has doubled to 4,357, fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual growth.
Uzbekistan’s Youth Policy on the Global Stage
Uzbekistan’s comprehensive youth policy has gained international recognition. The country is among the ten states most actively implementing the United Nations‘ ‘Youth – 2030’ strategy, a testament to its commitment to sustainable youth development.
In the realm of global education, Uzbekistan has seen an exponential rise in students studying abroad. While only 800 students pursued international education in the preceding quarter-century, 2,300 students have done so in the past seven years, thanks to initiatives like the ‘El-Yurt Umidi’ Foundation. Language education has also seen significant progress, with two million students learning foreign languages in the last three years, and IELTS high scorers increasing five-fold.
Expanding Youth Opportunities: New Initiatives
Building upon past successes, Uzbekistan is launching several new programs to further integrate youth into the economy and professional sectors.
Youth Entrepreneurship Development Fund
A crucial component of the government’s new efforts is the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Fund, which will receive an initial allocation of US$100 million. This fund will provide young entrepreneurs with the resources they need to bring innovative business ideas to life. Under this initiative, startups can apply for preferential loans of up to UZS 2.5 billion, while larger projects can receive investments of up to UZS 2 billion.
The Transformation of ‘Alokabank’
To further boost youth entrepreneurship, ‘Alokabank’ will be restructured into a financial institution dedicated to supporting young business owners. With US$200 million in available funding, the bank will offer preferential loans ranging from UZS 100 million to UZS 5 billion, with repayment terms of up to five years. The initiative will focus on industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services, equipping young people with the financial means to succeed.
Tax Incentives for Young Workers
To combat youth unemployment, tax incentives will be provided to companies hiring employees under the age of 30. These measures will help young professionals gain employment, build experience, and enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
Creative Industry Parks
Another major development is the establishment of creative industry parks. These spaces will serve as hubs for innovation, allowing young people to explore new business ideas, access resources, and collaborate with industry experts. The parks will feature a preferential tax regime until 2030 and include business schools to equip young entrepreneurs with modern skills and strategies.
The President’s Vision for Uzbekistan’s Youth
During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of investing in youth, stating:
“Today, our motherland is entering a new historic stage of its development. During this period, we naturally face difficult tasks, obstacles, and challenges that we have not faced before. However, no matter how difficult it is, we will definitely achieve the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves.”
He also highlighted the vital role of education in shaping the future of the nation:
“If we train one girl, then we train the whole family. If the family is educated and enlightened, then the whole society will become educated and enlightened.”
The Road Ahead
The latest initiatives underscore Uzbekistan’s long-term vision of nurturing a generation of highly skilled, economically empowered, and socially engaged youth. With substantial investments in education, entrepreneurship, and employment, the country is paving the way for a dynamic and prosperous future.
By continuously adapting policies to meet the evolving needs of its young citizens, Uzbekistan is setting a global benchmark in youth development, reinforcing the idea that the nation’s progress is inseparable from the success of its youth.
About the Agency for Youth Affairs
The Agency for Youth Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a government organization focused on implementing state youth policy, addressing youth-related challenges, and providing comprehensive support to young citizens. It plays a crucial role in organizing and coordinating efforts to empower Uzbekistan’s youth.
For more information, visit: https://gov.uz/en/yoshlar
