Combating corruption is one of the priority areas of the legal policy of the Republic of Tajikistan. Amid the rapid development of digital technologies, countries are increasingly using innovative tools to reduce corruption-related factors. The Republic of Tajikistan has also adopted the second stage (2026–2030) of the State Strategy for Combating Corruption in the Republic of Tajikistan for the period up to 2030, aimed at improving corruption prevention mechanisms, increasing transparency, and digitalizing public administration.
One effective way to reduce corruption risks is to limit direct interaction between citizens and representatives of public authorities through the introduction of electronic public services. The experience of developed countries shows that digitalization significantly strengthens the capacity for oversight, record-keeping, and transparency in the activities of public authorities.
The concept and importance of digitalization in combating corruption.
Digitalization is a set of measures that uses information and communication technologies to make the activities of public authorities more efficient, transparent, and accountable. In a digital economy, most public services are transferred to electronic formats, thereby reducing the influence of the human factor on decision-making.
In combating corruption, digitalization performs the following key functions:
- reducing direct contact between citizens and public officials;
- increasing the transparency of public authorities;
- automating administrative decision-making;
- preventing the use of official powers for personal gain;
- ensuring digital oversight and continuous auditing of transactions.
With the development of e-government, citizens are able to access services without intermediaries and without significant time costs. This process substantially reduces the risk of demands for unlawful payments.
The role of innovative technologies in preventing corruption
The second stage of the State Strategy calls for the implementation of new digital technologies. Today, the following technologies are widely used around the world to prevent corruption:
- artificial intelligence for analyzing financial transactions;
- big data for identifying corruption risks;
- blockchain technology for immutable data recording;
- open data;
- electronic public procurement systems;
- electronic platforms for receiving citizens’ appeals.
The use of such technologies makes it possible to automatically identify suspicious transactions and detect corruption risks before negative consequences arise.
During the implementation of the second stage of the State Strategy for Combating Corruption for 2026–2030, digitalization serves as an important tool for reducing corruption-related factors and improving the efficiency of public administration.
To improve the effectiveness of the second stage of the State Strategy for Combating Corruption, it is proposed to:
- develop a National Program for the Digitalization of Anti-Corruption Efforts with specific monitoring indicators;
- expand the use of artificial intelligence to analyze corruption risks;
- establish a National Center for Digital Monitoring of Corruption Risks;
- develop an open-data policy and strengthen public oversight;
- improve the system for evaluating the performance of public authorities based on digital indicators;
- introduce regular cybersecurity audits;
- expand international cooperation in exchanging digitalization experience.
The study shows that digitalization and innovative technologies have become key factors in preventing corruption within the public administration system. The use of electronic public services, electronic document management, open data, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies significantly increases the transparency, accountability, and oversight of public authorities.
In the Republic of Tajikistan, effective implementation of the State Strategy for Combating Corruption for 2026–2030 directly depends on the development of digital infrastructure, improvement of legislation, training of highly qualified personnel, and introduction of modern management technologies.
Overall, digitalization is not only a means of improving public services but also an effective mechanism for ensuring the rule of law, protecting public interests, and strengthening citizens’ trust in public authorities. Therefore, the development of digitalization and the implementation of innovative technologies should be regarded as an important factor in modernizing public administration and creating a favorable foundation for a transparent environment, reduced corruption risks, and the sustainable development of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Azizzoda Fayzali Ikromiddin
Chief Specialist, Legal Department
Agency of Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
