The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, in his Address to the Majlisi Oli on December 28, 2024, proposed declaring the years 2025–2030 as the “Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development” with the aim of accelerating innovation processes and fully utilizing the potential of digital technologies in the economy. This initiative is both a necessity and a requirement of modern times, as contemporary information and communication technologies (ICT) directly influence all spheres of human life. The emergence of various forms of the digital economy and the use of modern innovations in different areas of human activity underscore the significance of developing ICT.
It is evident that the expansion of globalization processes, the formation of the information space, and the intensification of information flows have contributed to the development of the digital economy in various countries worldwide. These countries are undergoing structural transformations driven by rapidly accelerating waves of innovation. As a full-fledged member of the global community, Tajikistan cannot remain apart from these processes. Therefore, declaring the years 2025–2030 as the “Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development” holds great economic, social, security, and cultural importance for our country.
The primary objective of this initiative is to use digital technologies to develop the national economy and safeguard national interests, as digital technologies have become one of the key drivers of economic growth. Economic and social development can be achieved through automating existing processes, implementing new business models and technologies—such as digital platforms, digital ecosystems, in-depth big data analysis, industrial technologies, robotics, and ensuring high-speed internet connectivity.
In this regard, the initiative directly announced by the Leader of the Nation is crucial for the country’s and nation’s future, even a matter of destiny. It is clear that without the development of the digital economy and the effective use of innovative opportunities and modern technologies, meeting society’s needs within the state will be challenging. Undoubtedly, under the framework of the declaration of 2025–2030 as the “Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development,” reforms in the communications sector will actively progress, as communication is one of the most important factors in the development of the digital economy and innovation. In this connection, the Communications Service is developing specific measures to ensure that the level and quality of electronic communications meet modern requirements.
In particular, to implement this goal, the Leader of the Nation has given clear instructions to the Communications Service and mobile operators to develop digital infrastructure up to 5G networks. One of the main areas of activity for the Communications Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and mobile operators is the development of next-generation 5G networks. Currently, 5G is being implemented in Dushanbe in a test mode. In fact, the modernization of communication base stations is ongoing across the country, creating conditions for expanding 5G services for the population. After thoroughly examining all related issues, a concrete plan for the widespread deployment of 5G will be developed and executed.
Another important direction the Communications Service is actively pursuing to develop the digital economy is creating conditions for the implementation of cashless payments. A key aspect of the five-year plan for developing the digital economy and innovation from 2025–2030 is expanding cashless transactions through communication technologies and sufficient internet speed. To this end, the President of the country, in his Address to the Majlisi Oli, issued instructions to fully ensure all cashless payments for budgetary and state services by the end of 2025.
In reality, one of the critical factors in the development of cashless payments is ensuring high-speed internet access. In this regard, the Communications Service recognizes its responsibility. All measures undertaken to ensure access to high-speed internet also aim to promote the development of cashless transactions. Under the implementation of the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Measures to Expand Cashless Payments" dated June 22, 2023, the Communications Service has initiated cooperation with all relevant structures, achieving notable results.
The Internet serves as a social mobility mechanism, enhancing access, quality, and convenience of services in areas such as healthcare, education, public and utility services, and culture. Broad access and high-speed connectivity enable the creation of convenient and secure conditions for citizens through the use of intelligent technologies, while digital platforms offer new employment opportunities for the population.
