SNAPSHOT OF THE EDUCATION SECTOR

The Government of Uzbekistan has prioritized education as a cornerstone of its long-term economic development agenda, consistently allocating a substantial share of public expenditure to the sector. In 2024, education spending accounted for approximately 4% of GDP, underscoring its central role in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. This sustained investment reflects a strategic focus on human capital as a primary engine of productivity and competitiveness. Significant progress has been achieved in expanding access to preschool and tertiary education, supported by large-scale investments in educational infrastructure and systemic modernization. Comprehensive reforms are underway to strengthen institutional capacity across all education levels, with a particular emphasis on early childhood and higher education. As part of its strategic targets, the government aims to achieve an 80%enrolment rate in both subsectors by 2026—demonstrating a strong commitment to improving learning outcomes and enhancing workforce readiness.

Uzbekistan’s education sector presents a range of compelling investment opportunities aligned with the government’s strategic objective to expand access and improve quality across all education levels. Priority areas include:

Preschool Education: Investment in the construction and operation of modern preschool facilities, including through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), remains ahigh-potential segment given rising demand for early childhood education.

Secondary Education: The government is promoting the rollout of energy-efficient schools equipped with modern teaching technologies. PPPs are encouraged as a delivery mechanism to upgrade the learning environment nationwide.

Higher Education Expansion: In line with its target to reach 50% enrolment by 2026, Uzbekistan plans to establish 30 new universities. This ambitious expansion responds to increasing demand—particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines—where international academic partnerships are actively sought.

Foreign investors benefit from a wide array of incentives, including tax exemptions, preferential access to land and pre-existing facilities, and fav    ourable terms under PPP frameworks. These incentives, coupled with strong demographic fundamentals and government commitment, position Uzbekistan as an emerging destination for education-sector investment.