Despite the active growth of digital financial services and online commerce in Uzbekistan, the penetration of banking and financial services and the level of digital literacy remain areas of development, especially in remote regions and small towns. The development of digital platforms and the high level of Internet penetration in Uzbekistan create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation. Today, more than 10,000 companies and entrepreneurs from all over the country sell their goods on Uzum Market, with more than 30% of them being women.

Uzum and UNDP share a common interest in addressing the shortage of digital and financial literacy skills among unemployed women and young people. The implementation of joint educational programs and the use of Uzum's digital and logistics infrastructure throughout the country will become a key driver of employment growth and entrepreneurship development.

—“We are ready to teach the basics of digital literacy and business management and provide convenient and understandable services for the implementation of these skills,” commented Roman Lavrentiev, Uzum's Chief Operating Officer. “By developing financial services, a marketplace, and convenient banking tools for private users and entrepreneurs, we first create equal opportunities for all residents of the country—men and women, residents of the capital and small towns. This principle has united me and my colleagues from UNDP in this joint project.”

—“Our common goal is to create a structure aimed at closing the digital and financial literacy skills gap among the unemployed,” says Anas Qarman, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Uzbekistan.

—“This initiative aims to empower women and young people by providing them with the skills needed in the modern world. We see Uzum as a long-term partner with promising potential. The ecosystem's contribution to the development of the country's economy is already noticeable and valuable to the world community. For example, the choice of Uzum by investors gives confidence in a stable partnership and the fact that now the ecosystem is the first IT unicorn in Uzbekistan.”

The parties agreed to develop comprehensive training materials focused on basic financial literacy for e-commerce, as well as to conduct seminars and training sessions in the regions to ensure effective dissemination and assimilation of skills by residents of the country.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to helping Uzbekistan on its path to eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, bridging digital gaps, and promoting inclusivity.