On April 20 in Dushanbe, Resident Representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ko Sakamoto told reporters about current projects, plans for the coming years and a new strategy for cooperation with Tajikistan. The focus is on job creation, private sector development and increased financing.
ADB projects: from agriculture to digitalization
Ko Sakamoto noted that in 2025, ADB continued to provide grant projects in the public sector. They cover a wide range of areas – from digital agriculture and managing the risks associated with melting glaciers, to disaster management and improving the business climate.
He emphasized that last year was, to a certain extent, a turning point: for the first time, ADB began to work directly with the private sector.
One example of this approach was a project with Tcell, aimed at expanding access to digital services and improving communications, especially in the regions.
New strategy: focus on jobs
Ko Sakamoto recalled that in March of this year, ADB President Masato Kanda visited Tajikistan, where, together with government representatives, a new five-year partnership strategy was presented.
The main conclusion that the bank came to after analyzing the situation in the country is that job creation should become priority number one.
At the same time, we are talking not just about employment, but about quality jobs with decent pay. The ADB Permanent Representative noted that it is still difficult for Tajikistan to provide a sufficient number of such jobs for its young and growing workforce.
Banks, loans and business development
One of the key barriers to the growth of the Tajik economy, according to Ko Sakamoto, What remains is the cost of loans.
He emphasized that without lowering interest rates, large-scale business development, and therefore the creation of new jobs, is impossible.
In this regard, the bank is working with the Ministry of Finance, the National Bank of Tajikistan and other structures on financial sector reforms. We are talking about expanding the population’s access to financing, increasing competition between banks and, as a result, reducing rates.
In parallel, the ADB began investing directly in commercial banks. One such example is cooperation with Eskhata Bank. Such investments allow banks to more actively lend to small and medium-sized businesses on more favorable terms.
Economy: growth continues but slows
According to ADB estimates, Tajikistan’s economy is showing steady growth.
If last year real GDP growth was 8.4%, then in 2026 it is projected at 7.3%, and by 2027 it could drop to 6.8%.
Despite the gradual slowdown, these figures remain quite high. The ADB Permanent Representative attributes this to macroeconomic stability and ongoing reforms.
However, forecasts remain sensitive to external factors and uncertainty.
Transition from grants to loans
Ko Sakamoto noted that significant changes are expected in the format of ADB cooperation with Tajikistan.
Since 2018, the republic has received exclusively gratuitous assistance in relatively limited volumes. It is expected that from the beginning of 2027 the country can gain access to borrowed funds from the bank.
This, according to the ADB permanent representative, means the possibility of attracting significantly larger resources to finance infrastructure and other projects.
.
About 30 new projects
Ko Sakamoto told media representatives that ADB is considering implementing about 30 new projects in Tajikistan over the next four years.
Among them:
— regional project in the field of healthcare;
— development of transport infrastructure;
— modernization of the social insurance system.
A representative of the bank noted that they are ready to disclose details of each project as they are developed.
Rogun HPP: discussions continue
Answering a question about the Rogun hydroelectric power station, Ko Sakamoto said that the details of possible financing are still being discussed with the country’s authorities.
We are talking, in particular, about the construction of facilities on the right bank of the dam. The project is considered large and complex, requiring careful study.
He emphasized that this project could have a significant multiplier effect – promoting economic growth, job creation and the development of a green economy.
Currently, the discussion is focused on issues of environmental and social safety, as well as the reliability of the dam itself.
Healthcare: Protecting Against Future Pandemics
Regarding the regional health project, Ko Sakamoto explained that it aims to improve the country’s preparedness for future pandemics.
Particular attention is paid to cross-border infections. As part of the project, it is planned to strengthen the equipment of border checkpoints so that they can effectively respond to such threats.
Digitalization: three levels of transformation
ADB, according to Ko Sakamoto, views the digital development of Tajikistan as a multi-level process.
The first level is infrastructure: the Internet, fiber optic networks, the development of 3G, 4G and 5G, as well as data security.
The second level is the so-called digital government infrastructure (DPI), which ensures the exchange of data between various systems and departments. In this direction, the bank cooperates with the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies of Tajikistan.
The third level is applied solutions in specific sectors: transport, agriculture, social protection and others.
He emphasized that the project with Tcell, in particular, is aimed at expanding 4G coverage, especially in remote areas.
Transport: a country at the crossroads of corridors
ADB continues to support the development of transport infrastructure in the region.
We are talking about the international corridors East-West (Europe-Asia) and North-South. Tajikistan occupies a strategically important position on these routes, connecting different parts of the region.
In particular, projects are being implemented to develop the road network, including directions connecting the country with China.
Inclusive infrastructure
The bank pays special attention to the accessibility of infrastructure for all categories of the population.
The organization’s permanent representative believes that transport projects should take into account the needs of women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
For example, in Dushanbe, urban transport projects aim to make buses accessible to people with limited mobility, as well as ensure the safety of pedestrians – through crossings, stops and other elements.
International agenda
Key topics for the development of the region will be discussed at the annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors, which will be held in May this year in Samarkand.
The focus is on three areas:
– development of connectivity,
— use of data for development,
— mobilization of financial resources.
High-level delegations are expected to attend, including representatives of the Government of Tajikistan.
Information about ADB
Since Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998, the Bank has provided nearly $3 billion in development assistance, becoming one of the country’s largest multilateral partners.
This partnership has produced significant results, including upgrading key roads connecting cities across the country, upgrading key irrigation and water supply systems, and building hospitals and schools.
ADB also supported the construction of transmission lines and electrical substations, the reconnection of the national power grid to the Central Asian Power Grid, and the rehabilitation of the Nurek and Golovnaya hydroelectric power stations.
