The World Bank has approved new financial support for Uzbekistan to improve learning outcomes in primary education and strengthen the foundational skills children need for future employment.
The package includes USD 100 million in concessional financing from the International Development Association (IDA) and a USD 5 million grant from the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd). It will support the Transforming Public Education for Economic Growth Program (BILIM), a wider USD 378 million programme financed together with the Government of Uzbekistan.
Focus Regions and Key Challenges
The programme will focus on six regions: Khorezm, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara, Navoiy and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Together, these regions account for around 45% of all schools in Uzbekistan and face significant learning and school infrastructure challenges.
At the same time, curriculum and qualification development often remains a lengthy process involving consultations, reviews, approvals and coordination between multiple stakeholders. While these processes are essential for quality assurance and relevance, they can also slow the ability of systems to react to emerging needs.
By 2030, BILIM is expected to support improved pedagogical and management practices for 50,000 primary school teachers, school leaders and education administrators, create 27,000 new school seats, and strengthen the use of education data for planning, resource allocation and school operations. Around 2 million children in Grades 1–4 are expected to benefit.
Opportunities for Education Solution Providers
For international education solution providers, this development confirms the scale and seriousness of Uzbekistan’s education reform agenda. The country is not only expanding access to education, but also investing in quality, teacher development, learning environments, data-driven planning and skills for future employment.
This is also highly relevant for organisations active in educational technologies, teacher training, STEM learning, assessment, digital education, TVET, workforce development and future skills.
Join the Worlddidac Delegation to Uzbekistan
From 3–6 August 2026, Worlddidac will bring a delegation of international education solution providers to Uzbekistan.
The programme will include direct exchanges with key stakeholders, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and leading universities, providing participants with the opportunity to better understand current priorities, present relevant educational solutions and explore future cooperation.
This is a unique opportunity to position your organisation at the forefront of Uzbekistan’s education transformation and engage directly with key decision-makers shaping the sector.
