Tajikistan is facing significant challenges in its ambition to become a hub for artificial intelligence innovation due to its poor internet connectivity. Despite recent comments from Tajik officials indicating a desire to boost AI development, the country ranks last in Eurasia for fixed broadband speed, sitting at 117th out of 155 countries worldwide, as reported in the latest Speedtest Global Index.
The head of the Presidential Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies, Khurshed Faizullozoda, attributed this lack of connectivity to Tajikistan’s mountainous landscape, which covers about 93 percent of the country, complicating access to the internet. He mentioned that efforts are underway to enhance the internet infrastructure by increasing server capacity and installing fiber-optic lines.
However, this explanation raises questions when compared to neighboring Kyrgyzstan, which also has a primarily mountainous geography but ranks notably higher at 82nd for fixed broadband connectivity, with speeds more than double that of Tajikistan. Uzbekistan leads in Central Asia with the fastest fixed broadband connection at 76th globally, while Azerbaijan and Georgia rank at 86th and 114th, respectively.
Despite these challenges, the intended focus on AI innovation reflects a positive forward-looking strategy for Tajikistan. By improving its digital infrastructure, the country could unlock new opportunities and bridge the digital divide within the region. Addressing internet connectivity may eventually position Tajikistan to harness the benefits of modern technologies, contributing to regional development and economic growth.