Uzbekistan launches New Generation Entrepreneurs program

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has adopted a presidential decree dated 20 April 2026 approving the “Youth of New Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy, aimed at comprehensive improvements in conditions for young people, including social support, employment, and entrepreneurship measures.

The strategy also introduces partial compensation of mortgage interest payments for young families. In addition, a separate government resolution has been approved for the practical implementation of the strategy in 2026–2027, along with measures to ensure youth employment.

Within the framework of the “New Generation Entrepreneurs” program, implemented by the Youth Affairs Agency, Uzbekistan plans to train 20,000 citizens in basic business skills by 2030. The training process will involve private sector representatives as well as domestic and international experts and consultants.

Participants will receive training covering key stages of business development, from preparing a business plan to launching sales and entering the market. At the end of the program, participants will undergo assessment testing, and the top 1,000 graduates will be awarded special certificates.

Certificate holders will be eligible for concessional loans of up to 500 base calculation units, equivalent to 206 million sums, at a rate equal to half of the Central Bank’s key rate, for up to three years with a six-month grace period.

Starting July 1, young entrepreneurs will also receive compensation for costs related to connecting to utility infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, and sewage systems. The maximum reimbursement is set at 10 base calculation units, or 4.12 million sums.

From August 1, accounting service centers under district farmers’ councils will provide free services for two years to new youth-established farms. These farms will also be exempt from membership fees and from obligations to grow cotton and grain.

The strategy also includes reforms to the civil service recruitment process for young people. Interview questions and tasks must be published on government agency websites at least one month in advance, and candidates cannot be asked questions that were not publicly disclosed.

A list of positions will be established for which internal competitions or experience requirements are abolished, while some positions will require up to two years of minimum experience.

Special attention is given to vocational training. Authorities have been instructed to compile a list of in-demand professions and introduce a national certification system for students in these fields.

Additional support measures are provided for young people from low-income families, including compensation for education and examination costs. For children from families “on the edge of poverty,” a reimbursement mechanism for exam fees will also be introduced.

Uzbekistan also plans a large-scale expansion of vocational education through new training and innovation facilities. By October 1, 2026, workshops and laboratories will be established in every district and city at vocational colleges and non-governmental education organizations.

Financial support will be provided in the form of interest-free loans for entrepreneurs participating in the creation of such workshops. Funding may reach up to 1,200 base calculation units, with a three-year repayment period and a six-month grace period.

From 2026, reforms will also introduce spin-off enterprises at state vocational colleges. These will be companies formed based on student startup projects with high commercialization potential, focused on developing new products and technologies.

These enterprises will operate under special conditions. The state’s share in their capital cannot be privatized for five years. Facilities and unused buildings of educational institutions may be leased for up to five years to support startup development.

Grant mechanisms are also provided. Spin-off enterprises will be eligible for funding of up to 1 billion sums from the Vocational Education Development Fund to implement student and youth startups.

The measures are aimed at strengthening the link between education and the labor market, developing applied skills among students, and stimulating technological entrepreneurship in vocational education.