USAID Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA) in Tajikistan
USAID published WinDt’s latest collaborative report with Nathan, a Cadmus company, on Tajikistan’s digital ecosystem. This in-depth analysis by USAID’s Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA) provides valuable insights into the current state of digital transformation in Tajikistan, highlighting key opportunities and challenges. The report underscores our commitment to advancing digital inclusion and fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships.
The Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA) report for Tajikistan, highlights the nation’s digital landscape, identifying challenges and opportunities for development. Published in February 2023, the report explores three pillars of Tajikistan’s digital ecosystem: digital infrastructure and adoption, digital society, rights, and governance, and the digital economy.
Tajikistan faces challenges in developing an open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystem, lagging behind neighbors in providing universal, affordable, and reliable broadband. The report identifies a culture of fear and distrust surrounding digital technologies, hindering progress in digital literacy and skills training.
Key findings highlight Tajikistan’s vulnerability to cyber threats due to weak cybersecurity measures, while gender digital divides persist, rooted in social norms. Limited data privacy awareness and cyber hygiene literacy pose risks for citizens, businesses, and civil society. Additionally, the report emphasizes obstacles in the tech startup ecosystem, including financing challenges and a lack of entrepreneurial culture.
The report concludes with ten recommendations for USAID/Tajikistan, emphasizing the top five priorities:
- Strengthen the government’s cybersecurity capacity.
- Prioritize bridging the gender digital divide.
- Bolster data privacy, protection, and cyber hygiene at all societal levels.
- Support the development of a tech startup ecosystem.
- Reshape the approach to ICT workforce development.
These recommendations aim to address key issues, fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic digital environment in Tajikistan. The findings are crucial for informing USAID’s future programming and supporting the country’s long-term social and economic development goals.
Learn more about the Tajikistan Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA) | Tajikistan | Document | U.S. Agency for International Development (usaid.gov)