Tajikistan is grappling with significant hurdles in its journey towards digital development. Ranked 123rd out of 193 countries on the global e-government development index (EGDI), the nation falls short of the global average. Among the crucial factors contributing to these challenges are its limited digital infrastructure and low digital literacy, particularly in rural areas. This situation has placed the Central Asian country at a disadvantage, especially when compared to its regional neighbors who are aggressively pushing forward with their digital agendas.
The EGDI, compiled by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, serves as a critical assessment tool for a nation’s digital services development. The index evaluates a country across three sub-indices: the Online Service Index (OSI), the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII), and the Human Capital Index (HCI). Tajikistan’s EGDI score of 0.5606 is below the global average of 0.6382, signaling significant room for enhancement. Such a ranking reveals deep-rooted issues in the country’s ability to provide adequate digital services to its citizens.
Current Status on the E-Government Development Index
The Online Service Index (OSI) measures the availability and quality of e-government services. In Tajikistan, the limited range and often poor quality of these services greatly affect accessibility for residents. People looking to perform everyday tasks such as obtaining official documents or paying bills online find themselves grappling with inefficient and sometimes unreliable systems. This shortfall is a significant barrier to the country’s aim of providing inclusive digital services to all its residents, particularly those in remote areas.
The Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) assesses the state of the country’s IT infrastructure, another area where Tajikistan struggles. The nation remains hindered by underdeveloped digital infrastructure, causing frequent connectivity issues that affect both personal and professional activities. Poor internet coverage and slow speeds are common complaints among residents. Lack of robust infrastructure not only stymies current digital ambitions but also presents a formidable challenge to future development initiatives aimed at boosting the nation’s digital capabilities.
Comparative Analysis with Central Asian Neighbors
Tajikistan’s neighbors in Central Asia have made considerable strides in their digital development, placing the country in a starkly contrasting light. Kazakhstan, for instance, ranks 24th globally on the EGDI. The nation has made significant investments in its “e-Gov” platform, which offers a broad range of online services to its citizens, from healthcare to education. This investment has paid off, enabling Kazakhstan to streamline many bureaucratic processes and elevate the overall efficiency of public services.
Similarly, Uzbekistan has developed an ambitious strategy called “Digital Uzbekistan 2030.” This comprehensive plan aims to firmly establish digital tools and services across various sectors. Uzbekistan currently holds the 63rd spot on the EGDI, a testament to its proactive digital strategies. Kyrgyzstan, ranking 78th, has made substantial progress in digitalizing essential sectors such as education and healthcare, providing its citizens better access to services that are pivotal to daily life.
Russia and Belarus are also performing exceptionally well, standing at 29th and 41st places respectively. Both countries have invested heavily in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, which have significantly bolstered their digital infrastructures. These advancements highlight the expansive digital divide between Tajikistan and its neighboring countries, emphasizing the urgent need for Tajikistan to adopt meticulous and robust strategies for its digital transformation.
Internet Services: Speed and Affordability Issues
One of the most glaring issues in Tajikistan’s digital landscape is the speed and affordability of internet services. The Speedtest Global Index for February 2024 ranked Tajikistan 139th out of 143 countries in terms of mobile internet speed, a dismal standing that underscores severe connectivity issues. Even more concerning is the country’s omission from the index’s May 2024 update, an unexplained absence that casts further doubt on the country’s digital progress. Fixed broadband services paint a similar picture, with Tajikistan ranking 124th out of 161 countries, indicating poor performance across the board.
In addition to speed, affordability is a significant concern for Tajik residents. The Mobile Data Affordability Index places Tajikistan 163rd out of 179 countries, illustrating the financial strain internet costs impose on citizens. On average, residents spend about 8% of their monthly salary of $170 on mobile data plans costing $13.77 for more than 10 gigabytes of data. This percentage represents a substantial financial burden on the average Tajik household. Interestingly, Afghanistan, often considered less developed, ranks slightly better at 161st, highlighting the affordable data disparity even among neighboring nations and underscoring the particular hardships faced by Tajik residents in accessing affordable internet.
Government Response and Public Sentiment
At a press conference on July 24, 2024, Rafiqjon Shokirov, the Acting Head of the Communications and Information Management Department, addressed concerns about slow and costly internet services. Dismissing reports by international ranking bodies as “lies and fabrications,” Shokirov argued that such assessments often overlook vital factors crucial for an accurate representation of the country’s digital landscape. He contended that global studies generally include the entire population, including children under five, which he claimed unfairly skews results against Tajikistan.
Despite official disclaimers, public sentiment remains one of dissatisfaction regarding internet quality and costs. The government asserts that around 96.3% of the population has communication service access, a figure that contrasts sharply with the everyday experiences and complaints of many residents. The perceived gap between government statistics and the lived reality of internet users casts a shadow on the government’s optimistic claims, fueling skepticism among both international bodies and local users.
Infrastructure and Literacy: Core Challenges
Tajikistan faces considerable challenges on its path to digital development. Ranked 123rd out of 193 countries on the global e-government development index (EGDI), it lags behind the global average. Key obstacles include limited digital infrastructure and low digital literacy, especially in rural regions. This has put Tajikistan at a disadvantage compared to its regional neighbors, who are advancing their digital initiatives more aggressively.
The EGDI, formulated by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, is a crucial metric for assessing a country’s digital service development. It evaluates nations based on three sub-indices: the Online Service Index (OSI), the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII), and the Human Capital Index (HCI). Tajikistan’s EGDI score of 0.5606 falls below the global average of 0.6382, indicating a significant need for improvement. This rank underscores systemic problems in Tajikistan’s ability to deliver digital services to its populace, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructural and educational enhancements.
