Story perspectives

Uzbekistan Unveils Fintech Plan to Attract $1B Investment by 2030

8/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Uzbekistan’s government launched a fintech strategy targeting $1 billion foreign investment by 2030.
Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov unveiled the plan at the Silk Road Forum in Tashkent.
The strategy includes a regulatory sandbox and an innovation hub opening to residents in Q4 2026.
Uzbekistan’s GDP rose 7.7% in 2025 and 8.5% in H1 2026.
Inflation hit a historic low of 5.5% in May 2026, near the central bank’s 5% goal.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, Estonia launched its e-Residency program, pioneering a digital identity framework that attracted over €1 billion in foreign tech investment by 2020. Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas championed the initiative, while the Ministry of Economic Affairs reported a 12% annual rise in fintech startups between 2015 and 2019. Uzbekistan’s 2026 fintech strategy mirrors Estonia’s model, with Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov proposing a sandbox and $1 billion investment target akin to Estonia’s early success. If Uzbekistan replicates Estonia’s growth, the nation could sustain double-digit GDP expansion and position Tashkent as a Central Asian digital hub.

1 of 2

Story summary

Uzbekistan’s government launched a fintech strategy targeting $1 billion foreign investment by 2030.
Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov unveiled the plan at the Silk Road Forum in Tashkent.
The strategy includes a regulatory sandbox and an innovation hub opening to residents in Q4 2026.
Uzbekistan’s GDP rose 7.7% in 2025 and 8.5% in H1 2026.
Inflation hit a historic low of 5.5% in May 2026, near the central bank’s 5% goal.

1 / 2