Uzbekistan and Islamic Development Bank Sign $164 Million Agreements for Roads and Schools

Uzbekistan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed new financing agreements totaling $164 million to support major infrastructure and education initiatives, further deepening a partnership that plays a key role in the country’s long-term development strategy. The agreements were formalized on February 8 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, during the Second AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies. Prior to the signing, both sides held bilateral talks focused on scaling up cooperation across transport, education, and other high-priority sectors. The discussions emphasized the importance of projects that strengthen regional connectivity and human capital. Road Infrastructure: 4R40 Project One agreement allocates $70 million under the IsDB’s broader $192 million commitment for the 4R40 road project. The funds will support the reconstruction of 143 kilometers of the Dashtabad-Zaamin-Bakhmal-Galyaaral highway, as well as the rehabilitation of 30 kilometers of local and rural roads in the Jizzakh region. The road upgrades are expected to ease transit bottlenecks, enhance safety, and improve access to markets and public services for approximately 200,000 residents. The project will also strengthen regional links to the M39 international transport corridor. Education Reform: SmartEd Project The second agreement covers $94.06 million, part of a total contribution of $160.25 million for the SmartEd project, a national initiative aimed at transforming Uzbekistan’s education system. Funds will be used to build and equip 58 new schools and expand existing institutions with an additional 2,431 classrooms. The initiative targets nearly 73,000 students annually, with provisions for specialized training for over 36,000 teachers and administrators. The project is designed to promote a competency-based, inclusive education system. A Broader Partnership These new agreements build on earlier commitments. At the first AlUla conference in February 2023, Uzbekistan and the IsDB signed $299 million in financing deals, laying the foundation for the infrastructure and education reforms now entering the implementation phase.

Islamic Development Bank Funds $299M in Uzbek Education and Infrastructure

Uzbekistan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed two agreements totaling $299 million to enhance the country’s education system and upgrade road infrastructure. The agreements were signed at the Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Market Economies by IsDB Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov. 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.