Uzbekistan signs $40 million grant with Islamic Development Bank

Agreement aims to improve educational infrastructure, marking a significant step toward a more equitable learning 

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Preschool and School Education has signed a $40 million grant agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to support nationwide education reforms. 

The signing ceremony took place during the Human Capability Initiative 2025 international forum in Riyadh, where participants discussed challenges in education, economics, and technology. 

Uzbekistan was the only Central Asian country represented at the event.

The agreement was signed under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), hosted by the World Bank, and builds on IsDB’s earlier commitment of $160.25 million for the SmartED program aimed at developing inclusive education in Uzbekistan.

The project funded by the new grant will focus on several key areas:

• Infrastructure Development: The construction of 58 modern schools designed to provide inclusive environments, including state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, furniture, and digital infrastructure.

• Classroom Expansion: The creation of 2,431 new classrooms across the country to accommodate the growing student population.

• Curriculum and Teacher Training: The development of new curricula and materials that emphasize competency-based education, alongside reforms to teacher training and professional development systems.

• Assessment and Evaluation: Improvements to student assessment systems and school performance evaluations to better monitor and enhance educational outcomes.

By 2026, the project aims to provide all schoolchildren in Uzbekistan with access to high-quality education within a system that promotes inclusivity, accountability, and student performance. 

The goal is to establish a sustainable, competence-driven education system that can adapt to future challenges and enhance the learning experience for students nationwide.