The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a new $50 million financing package for O’zsanoatqurilishbank (SQB), Uzbekistan’s third-largest state-owned bank, to support youth-led businesses and small enterprises across the country.
The financing will be delivered through the EBRD’s Youth in Business programme for Central Asia, which focuses on expanding access to funding for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) owned or managed by entrepreneurs under the age of 35.
The initiative aims to help young business owners grow their companies, create jobs, and contribute to Uzbekistan’s economic development. With more than 61% of the country’s population aged 35 or younger, supporting youth entrepreneurship has become a key priority for building future employment opportunities.
The funds will allow SQB to provide financing to eligible businesses in either US dollars or Uzbek som-linked arrangements. By improving access to capital, the programme is expected to encourage innovation, strengthen private sector growth, and support emerging entrepreneurs.
The EBRD has identified Uzbekistan as a major market for investment in Central Asia. The bank has already invested nearly $6.9 billion across more than 200 projects in the country, with a strong focus on private sector development and entrepreneurship.
The latest partnership with SQB highlights the importance of empowering younger generations through financial support and business opportunities. As Uzbekistan continues its economic transformation, investment in youth-led enterprises is expected to play a significant role in driving sustainable growth.
