Uzbekistan plans $8 billion AI and data center zone in Karakalpakstan

September 19, 2026 at 01:22 PM1 min

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Uzbekistan will create a special zone in Karakalpakstan for six artificial intelligence and data center projects worth $8 billion. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the initiative at a meeting on the region's socio-economic development. The plan includes a five-year program due by October 1 and 1.5 thousand high-paying jobs within three years.

Key Facts

Six AI and data center projects worth $8 billion are planned for a special zone in Karakalpakstan.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ordered a five-year program to be developed by October 1.
The zone is expected to create 1,500 high-paying jobs in Nukus, Kungrad, Karauzyak, and Takhiyatas within three years.
Annual exports of cloud technologies and AI solutions are targeted to reach $600 million.
Investors will be provided with stable electricity supply of 1 gigawatt.

Special Zone for AI

A special zone will be established in Karakalpakstan for six artificial intelligence and data center projects with a total value of $8 billion. The initiative was announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a meeting on the region's socio-economic development. The zone will be located in the Kungrad–Karauzyak–Takhiyatas corridor, which is planned to become a 'green industrial corridor' and 'intellectual economy triangle'.

Investment and Jobs

A five-year program is to be developed by October 1, with a requirement to provide investors with stable electricity supply of 1 gigawatt. Within three years, 1,500 high-paying jobs are planned in Nukus, Kungrad, Karauzyak, and Takhiyatas. The annual export target for cloud technologies and AI solutions is set at $600 million.