The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Uzbekistan’s national digital ecosystem Uzum are expanding their partnership, with the bank increasing its financing for the ecosystem from $70 million to $100 million. The additional funding will support the continued development of Uzbekistan’s digital infrastructure.
The parties signed the initial financing agreement in May 2026, marking the EDB’s first investment in Uzbekistan since the country joined the Bank.
The additional financing will support the further development of Uzum’s fintech business and the expansion of digital financial services for individuals and small and medium-sized businesses across the country. In 2026, Uzum Bank became the fastest-growing bank in Uzbekistan by the number of bank cards issued, while more than 50% of orders on the Uzum Market marketplace are now paid for using the ecosystem’s own financial services.
Expanding our partnership with industry leaders reflects the EDB’s plans to scale up its operations in Uzbekistan. Digital platforms are a key element of modern economic infrastructure. By financing their growth, we are not simply supporting an individual company — we are investing in the technological connectivity of the region and in access to financial services for millions of people.
The increased financing from one of the region’s largest financial institutions is, above all, a recognition of the results we have achieved in recent months and of investors’ confidence in our strategy. We are building fintech infrastructure at a national scale, used by millions of people every day. It is particularly important to us that Uzum’s growth is accompanied by an increase in the volume of international capital flowing into Uzbekistan’s digital economy.
Uzbekistan remains one of Eurasia’s fastest-growing digital markets. The growing share of cashless payments, the development of digital banking services and high engagement among the country’s young population are creating favorable conditions for the continued expansion of the fintech sector and the digital economy as a whole.
About the EDB
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank engaged in investment activities across the Eurasian region. For 20 years, the EDB has supported the strengthening and expansion of economic ties and the comprehensive development of its member countries. As of the end of June 2026, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio comprised 348 projects with total investments of $22.1 billion. The Bank’s portfolio is primarily focused on projects with an integration impact in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, industry and mechanical engineering. The EDB’s activities are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles.
Under its 2022–2026 Strategy, the Bank is implementing three major projects: the Central Asia Water and Energy Complex, the Eurasian Transport Framework and the Eurasian Commodity Distribution Network.
About Uzum
Uzum is a Uzbekistan-based digital ecosystem combining fintech, e-commerce and banking services for individuals and businesses. More than 20 million people in Uzbekistan use the ecosystem’s services every month.