The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering a loan of up to €48.38 million to support the expansion of Tajikistan’s fiber-optic backbone network and broadband internet infrastructure.
The proposed project, called Tajikistan Rural Broadband, is currently at the preliminary review stage, and the bank has not yet made a final decision on financing.
According to the EBRD, the funding would be used to expand broadband coverage and improve access to digital services in underserved areas of Tajikistan.
The project includes the development of open-access telecommunications infrastructure that would allow operators to expand connectivity, including through the construction of last-mile networks.
The initiative is expected to be implemented through Tajikistan’s national telecommunications operator, which owns and manages the country’s core telecommunications infrastructure and is responsible for expanding broadband access.
Digital infrastructure development is among the priorities of cooperation between Tajikistan and the EBRD. In September 2026, the two sides agreed on an investment cooperation roadmap for 2026–2030, identifying energy, transport, water supply, irrigation and rural broadband development as key areas.
Earlier in June 2026, Tajikistan’s Ministry of Finance, the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan and the EBRD signed a memorandum of understanding on modernizing and expanding the country’s national telecommunications network. The parties said they planned to attract about $43 million for digital infrastructure development, improving communication services and expanding public access to modern telecommunications.
In recent years, Tajikistan has focused on expanding fiber-optic networks to improve internet quality and support the growth of digital public services and e-commerce.
The EBRD has been operating in Tajikistan since 1993. According to the bank, it has implemented around 200 projects in the country, with total investments exceeding €1 billion. Its activities include supporting private businesses, agribusiness, banking sector development, municipal services, energy supply and energy efficiency.
