Strategy
Tajikistan joined the World Bank in 1993 and the International Development Association (IDA) in 1994. Since then, the World Bank has provided over $2.9 billion in grants and highly concessional credits to support Tajikistan’s efforts to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives.
The Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2019-2023 supports Tajikistan’s efforts to complement its remittance-financed, import-reliant economic model with a focus on boosting private-sector development and exports. The portfolio has expanded rapidly during the current CPF period. As of April 2023, the active portfolio includes 26 IDA-funded investment lending projects with a net commitment of $1.62 billion—of which 23 national operations with net IDA commitments of $1.42 billion and three regional operations purely focused on Tajikistan ($200 million). The portfolio’s largest share is in the energy sector (43%), followed by water (11%), transport (8%), education and agriculture (per 7%). Six projects were delivered and approved between December 2022 and September 2023, amounting $250 million (including $50 million allocation from CRW):
Project | Commitment | Approval date |
Tajikistan Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector Project AF | $50 million | December 22, 2022 |
Resilient and Sustainable Tajikistan DPO | $50 million | January 12, 2023 |
TA for Financing Framework for Rogun Hydropower Project | $15 mln | January 12, 2023 |
Learning Environment – Foundation of Quality Education | $50 million | February 23, 2023 |
Social Protection Modernization and Economic Inclusion Project | $35 million | March 24, 2023 |
Financial and Private Sector Development Project | $50 million | July 10, 2023 |
Additional Financing for the Tajikistan Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector Project will support the government’s effort in responding to the food and nutrition security emergency and in building resilience, focusing on the short-term food and nutrition emergency needs and some medium- to long-term investments that enhance resilience of the agricultural sector.
The Resilient and Sustainable Tajikistan Development Policy Operation (DPO) approved in January 2023 is reopening development policy dialogue between the Government Of Tajikistan and the World Bank. This is the first DPO for Tajikistan since 2012 that reflects the authorities’ request for sustained World Bank support to advance structural reforms. In doing so, the DPO contributes to the implementation of Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy 2030 that strives to raise the population’s living standards based on sustainable economic development. The recent shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine significantly increased uncertainties and risks for Tajikistan. This DPO operation will help the government respond to these challenges by providing financial support and enabling reforms in areas critical to mitigating the negative impacts of the external environment, and helping Tajikistan enhance its resilience to shocks.
The World Bank is providing Technical Assistance for Financing Framework for Rogun Hydropower Project in Tajikistan, which aims to support the Government of Tajikistan in improving the financial and commercial frameworks of the Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) Project and enhancing its technical, environmental, and social sustainability. The Rogun HPP Project, currently under construction, has the potential to generate significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for Tajikistan and other countries in the Central Asia region if it develops in a financially, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner.
Two new human development projects will specifically contribute to the CPF Focus Area ‘Human Capital and Resilience’: (1) the Learning Environment – Foundation of Quality Education Project supports Tajikistan National Strategy for Education Development and aims to enhance the quality of teaching and learning environments in selected general secondary schools and (2) the Social Protection Modernization and Economic Inclusion Project will support the Government of Tajikistan in protecting poor and vulnerable households from shocks, promoting economic inclusion, and improving social protection systems.
The Tajikistan Financial and Private Sector Development Project approved in July 2023, aims to support the Government of Tajikistan by strengthening the country’s financial sector, boosting the private sector—particularly in high value-added sectors, such as agribusiness, textile, and tourism—and stimulating economic growth.