Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Young entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan will gain new opportunities for growth through a US$25 million (EUR 21.9 million) credit line provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to one of the country’s largest financial institutions — SQB Bank.

The funding is part of the EBRD’s regional “Youth in Business” programme, which aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by individuals under the age of 35. SQB will use the funds to expand its youth-focused financial products and encourage greater engagement of young entrepreneurs in the national economy.

This initiative is especially relevant in Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia, where young people account for approximately 27% of the population. The programme offers not only financial support but also capacity-building tools: eligible borrowers will benefit from consulting services, training courses, and networking opportunities offered through the EBRD’s “Advice for Small Businesses” initiative.

According to a recent EBRD study conducted across the region, despite strong entrepreneurial potential among youth, only a small percentage have access to the resources, education, and professional support needed to launch and sustain a business. It is estimated that just 10% of young people currently have such access.

To date, the EBRD’s total investment in Uzbekistan’s economy has reached nearly EUR 5.6 billion across 174 projects, with a significant portion focused on private sector development. For the fifth consecutive year, Uzbekistan remains the Bank’s leading investment destination in Central Asia.