In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, Tajik Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Sherali Kabir, on August 1 announced the commencement of the patent process for the zGAN artificial intelligence algorithm developed by a local Tajik R&D lab.
zGAN is an innovative technology designed for generating synthetic data, including rare and unexpected events, making it useful for predicting so-called "black swan" events (highly unpredictable events with significant impact).
"Obtaining the first AI patent will be a significant milestone for Tajikistan, highlighting the country's notable achievements in this field," the minister said.
Sherali Kabir reminded that in 2022, President Emomali Rahmon signed the National AI Development Strategy, the first of its kind in Central Asia, aiming for AI to contribute 5% of GDP by 2040.
"While two-thirds of the world's countries have yet to develop their national AI strategies, these steps underscore Tajikistan's ambition to secure key positions in technology and innovation," Kabir added.
Azizjon Azimi, Chairman of the AI Council at the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, provided updates on AI achievements and implementations in Tajikistan.
Azizjon Azimi, Chairman of the AI Council
Key achievements in Tajikistan's AI sector:
- Expansion of the AI Academy:
- The AI Academy now operates not only in Dushanbe but also in other parts of the country.
- Over 300 specialists have been trained in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Application of AI in the economy:
- The leading case is the use of zGAN algorithms for credit scoring.
- More than 30 banks in over 10 countries have implemented this algorithm, facilitated by Tajik fintech company zypl.ai, which has automated the issuance of loans exceeding $200 million.
- To date, zypl.ai has attracted more than $3 million in private direct investments for AI development in Tajikistan.
- R&D significant developments:
- Tajikistan aims to be among the few countries with patented AI developments. zGAN is one such project already showing excellent results in the financial sector.
- There are plans for the export implementation of this algorithm in agriculture, industry, and healthcare.
Tajikistan aims to be among the few countries with patented AI developments. zGAN is one such project already showing excellent results in the financial sector.
There are plans for the export implementation of this algorithm in agriculture, industry, and healthcare.
Azimi also mentioned the agreement between the Ministry of Industry of Tajikistan and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, on cooperation in artificial intelligence and trade-industrial relations. The agreement involves developing Ras Al Khaimah's AI programs based on Tajikistan's National AI Development Strategy in exchange for investments in various sectors of the country's economyНачало формы .
Конец формы Tajikistan became the first country in Central Asia to adopt a national AI strategy, initiated by President Emomali Rahmon in September 2022.
During a meeting with ACDI/VOCA President and CEO, Sylvia J. Megret, in early June this year, Tajik Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Sherali Kabir, highlighting the importance of AI, noted: “Tajikistan is pioneered on the adoption of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2022 and the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Council aiming for AI to contribute 5.0 percent of the country’s GDP by 2040. An AI academy at Alif Bank has already graduated over 7,000 young people.”
Oxford Insights says the government of Tajikistan has set the goal that 1.0 percent of its GDP will come from AI-related economic activity by 2026. This is an ambitious goal as Tajikistan is predominantly a primary sector economy, with agriculture responsible for 60% of employment. However, as the country begins to industrialize, its policymakers are looking one step further, towards AI. Azizjon Azimi, Head of Tajikistan’s AI Council and founder of startup zypl.ai, suggests that supporting AI development in the country will help Tajikistan avoid the middle income trap, where a country progresses to middle income status but fails to transition to a higher income economy. Therefore, while the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies focuses on supporting industrialization, the recently formed AI Council is working to demonstrate how AI can contribute to the country’s long term development
