Islamic Development Bank to fund $164m in infrastructure and education projects in Uzbekistan

According to the bank’s official statement, the agreements were inked by IsDB President Muhammad Al Jasser and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov.

Under the first agreement, the IsDB will provide $70 million to finance the reconstruction of the 4R40 Dashtobod–Zomin–Bakhmal–Gallaorol highway. The funding forms part of the bank’s total commitment of $192 million to the project. The investment will be used to rehabilitate 143 kilometers of regional roads in Jizzakh region, as well as 30 kilometers of local and rural roads.

The project aims to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety for around 200,000 residents. The modernization of this key access route to the M39 international transport corridor is expected to improve access to markets and social services, while also unlocking the region’s economic and tourism potential. Upgraded connectivity to the M39 corridor is anticipated to support trade flows and regional development.

The second agreement provides $94.06 million in financing for the SmartEd education project, representing part of the IsDB’s total contribution of $160.25 million to the initiative.

As part of the project, 58 new educational institutions will be built nationwide, while 2,431 modern classrooms will be established within existing schools. The SmartEd initiative is designed to develop a competency-based and inclusive education system, benefiting 72,930 students annually. It will also support the professional development of more than 36,115 teachers and administrative staff.

The agreements follow discussions held in February 2025 in Saudi Arabia, where Kuchkarov met with IsDB President Muhammad Al Jasser to explore cooperation on transport infrastructure and education development in Uzbekistan, including the implementation of modern road and education projects.