Women in Tech Global’s Founder and CEO, Ayumi Moore Aoki, made her first visit to Tajikistan, marking a significant milestone – the official launch of Women in Tech®Tajikistan. The visit included a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mirzo Khurshed Fayzullozoda, Director of the Agency of Innovation & Digital Technologies, under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, followed by the launch ceremony where she met with the Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Dilrabo Mansouri.
Understanding Tajikistan’s Digital Ambitions
The Agency of Innovation & Digital Technologies serves as Tajikistan’s central body for driving the country’s digital transformation. Operating directly under the President’s office, the Agency is tasked with developing and implementing national strategies for innovation, digitalization, and technological advancement across all sectors of the economy. Their mandate includes fostering IT infrastructure, supporting tech startups, promoting digital literacy, and positioning Tajikistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy. The Agency’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to inclusive innovation made this meeting particularly meaningful.
Aligning Missions: Women in Tech and Digital Inclusion
The conversation revealed a remarkable alignment between the Agency’s priorities and Women in Tech Global’s mission. The meeting explored concrete collaboration opportunities that could transform the landscape for women and girls in STEAM across Tajikistan. Discussions focused on developing comprehensive capacity-building programs and STEAM education initiatives specifically designed for girls and young women, creating pathways that have proven successful across Women in Tech’s network of 60+ countries. The parties also identified significant potential in supporting women-led startups, particularly in sectors where Tajikistan shows strong growth potential – digital services and agritech. Perhaps most importantly, they discussed strategies for expanding digital inclusion to reach rural communities, ensuring that opportunities in technology and innovation are accessible to women regardless of their geographic location. The Agency expressed strong interest in connecting Tajik women entrepreneurs and technologists with Women in Tech’s global community of 250,000+ members, creating mentorship networks and knowledge-sharing opportunities that transcend borders.
Tech Diplomacy: Amplifying Tajikistan’s Voice on the Global Stage
A particularly exciting dimension of the conversation centered on Tajikistan’s potential participation in the Tech Diplomacy Forum. This initiative represents a strategic opportunity for Tajikistan to actively engage in global conversations about tech governance, digital policy, and innovation frameworks. As countries worldwide grapple with questions of AI regulation, data sovereignty, digital rights, and technology ethics, it’s crucial that diverse voices – including those from Central Asia – have a seat at the table. The Tech Diplomacy Forum would provide Tajikistan with a platform to share its unique perspective on digital transformation, contribute to shaping international tech policy, and position itself as a thought leader in regional innovation. For a country investing heavily in its digital future, this kind of global engagement can accelerate progress, attract international partnerships, and ensure that Tajikistan’s interests are represented in the frameworks that will govern tomorrow’s digital economy.
Looking Ahead
This inaugural visit to Tajikistan has laid the foundation for what promises to be a transformative partnership. The enthusiasm and vision demonstrated by the Agency of Innovation & Digital Technologies, combined with the proven track record of Women in Tech Global, creates tremendous potential for impact. As the organizations move forward with implementing these initiatives, this collaboration promises to empower Tajik women and girls to become leaders in technology and innovation, while simultaneously elevating Tajikistan’s position in the global digital landscape.