Islamic Development Bank Allocates $299M for Uzbek Education and Infrastructure

Uzbekistan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed two agreements worth a total of $299 million to improve the country's education system and upgrade road infrastructure.

The agreements were signed by IsDB Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov at the Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Market Economies, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

The first agreement, worth $160.25 million, aims to improve the quality of Uzbekistan’s education system. In partnership with the Global Partnership for Education, the project will fund the construction of 58 modern schools equipped with laboratories, furniture, and digital learning tools.

The initiative also includes:

• The construction of 2,431 classrooms
• Teacher training programs
• Reforms in student assessment
• Support for inclusive education

By 2026, the project is expected to provide all children in Uzbekistan with access to a competency-based education system that ensures equal learning opportunities and improves overall student performance.

The second agreement, valued at $138.8 million, focuses on upgrading a stretch of the A373 highway in the Tashkent region, a key transportation route between the Uzbek capital and Osh in Kyrgyzstan. The improvements aim to reduce travel time along the section by half - bringing it down to 30 minutes by 2030 - and lower road accidents by 40%, reducing the annual number of incidents to 24.

The project will expand the highway to four lanes, increasing its capacity to handle higher traffic volumes. The upgrades are also expected to boost regional trade and tourism, while strengthening Uzbekistan’s transport links with neighboring countries.

As part of its broader commitment to Uzbekistan’s development, the IsDB previously announced a $260 million plan in April last year to support infrastructure improvements from 2024 to 2028. The initiative will focus on Samarkand, Surxondaryo, and Qashqadaryo provinces, funding the construction of schools, medical centers, water supply networks, and upgraded electricity systems.

These agreements highlight Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its citizens, with strong backing from international financial institutions.