Uzbekistan launches $100 million employment initiative with World Bank support

The program sets ambitious targets for 2026: reducing the poverty rate to 2.8% and lowering unemployment to 4.5%. In 37 designated “priority” districts, authorities aim to cut the proportion of people living below the poverty line by at least half, while 33 “model” districts and cities are expected to become virtually free of unemployment.

The initiative plans to provide stable employment for 1 million people, raise incomes for 4 million citizens, legalize 1 million informal jobs, and train 120,000 specialists in in-demand professions.

Professional education reforms and certification subsidies

From July 1, instructors and vocational training masters participating in the national voucher system must hold a diploma or a professional qualification certificate in their area of expertise. Certification will be issued through newly established Qualification Assessment Centers.

To support professional education, new subsidies will be introduced through 2028:

• Instructors and vocational training masters will receive 50% reimbursement for certification costs, up to 20 base rates (approximately UZS 8.24 million).
• Founders of qualification assessment centers can claim 30% reimbursement on the cost of assessment tools, up to 200 base rates (approximately UZS 82.4 million).

World Bank funding and labor market reforms

Responsible ministries have been tasked with developing proposals to secure $100 million from the World Bank to support the initiative. The project will focus on labor market reforms, vocational training, and improving employment opportunities for the population.

Authorities emphasize that the program combines financial incentives, workforce development, and structural reforms to strengthen both the formal economy and social stability in Uzbekistan.