Uzbekistan Cuts Poverty to 6.8% From 35%, Lifting 8 Million Through Small-Business Support
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jul 14
Uzbekistan Cuts Poverty to 6.8% From 35%, Lifting 8 Million Through Small-Business Support
1 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jul 14
Summary
Government figures show Uzbekistan’s poverty rate fell to 6.8% from 35% over nine years, with 8 million people moving out of poverty.
More than 760,000 families received individual development plans in 2025, while 523,000 low-income households got job placement, entrepreneurship or vocational-training support under the “From Poverty to Prosperity” program.
Authorities backed that push with over 2.2 trillion soums in loans and 265 billion soums in subsidies, saying more than 700,000 entrepreneurs built stable businesses over the past eight years.
Local examples span Fergana greenhouses, Samarkand tourism dining and Surkhandarya livestock, while one mahalla in Pastdarg‘om cut poverty to 2.9% from about 19% in two years.
Uzbekistan is now expanding irrigation, power and water networks and using its Online Mahalla platform as 2026 is designated the Year of Mahalla Development and Community Support.
Is Uzbekistan's celebrated poverty reduction creating a hidden crisis of micro-debt for its new entrepreneurs?
With its unique mahalla system succeeding, why does Uzbekistan still rely so heavily on international development banks?
As Uzbekistan uses AI for governance, can it protect citizens' rights while driving its anti-poverty agenda?
From 17% to 4.5%: Uzbekistan’s Ambitious Poverty Reduction Journey (2015–2026)
Overview
Uzbekistan has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty from 2015 to 2026 by implementing transformative reforms and strategic initiatives. Guided by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s commitment to uplifting human dignity, the country reduced its poverty rate to 5 percent by 2022 and continued to lower it, with further decreases expected by 2025. These achievements are supported by falling unemployment rates and comprehensive development strategies. The government’s focus on economic growth, social protection, and targeted local programs has directly improved living conditions for many citizens, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained, multi-faceted national efforts.