Uzbekistan to Replace 2,000 Officials with AI in Massive Government Reform
Uzbekistan has announced a major digital overhaul of its public administration, replacing more than 2,000 government employees with artificial intelligence systems by November 2025.
A bold step toward automation
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree to reduce the number of administrative positions by 2,141 across government bodies. The initiative is part of a broader national effort to modernize the public sector and improve management efficiency through AI and digital technologies.
The largest staff cuts will occur within the Tax Committee, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Key analytical, reporting, and clerical duties will now be handled by AI-driven platforms designed to process data faster and with fewer errors than human workers.
Efficiency versus employment
Officials argue that automation will help reduce bureaucracy and improve responsiveness in state institutions. AI systems will handle tasks such as document processing, workflow optimization, and real-time data analysis. Government representatives claim this will free up resources for policy development and strategic projects.
However, the reform comes with a social cost. Over 2,000 civil servants are expected to lose their positions. The Ministry of Employment has pledged to assist those affected in finding new work or retraining for jobs in the growing tech and AI sectors.
Digital Uzbekistan 2030
The restructuring is part of Uzbekistan’s long-term “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy, which aims to make public administration data-driven and transparent. The program envisions the gradual integration of artificial intelligence into all major ministries, from agriculture to finance.
Analysts see the move as a test case for AI governance in developing countries. If successful, Uzbekistan could become the first state in Central Asia to demonstrate that machine intelligence can operate effectively within public administration without destabilizing political or social systems.
A glimpse into the future
While the full impact of the reform remains to be seen, the decision signals a turning point for the region. As governments worldwide experiment with AI-driven management, Uzbekistan’s experience will serve as a benchmark — and possibly a warning — for balancing progress and employment stability.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab