Digitalization without paper bureaucracy: Can Tajikistan build a fully digital state?

Tajikistan has stepped up efforts to move public services online, but fragmented government systems, paper-based procedures and limited digital infrastructure continue to hinder progress. Despite the launch of a unified government services portal, many services remain only partially digital, raising questions about how quickly the country can turn its e-government ambitions into reality. President Emomali Rahmon has called for the accelerated transfer of priority public services to electronic formats and the integration of state information systems. Speaking at the first meeting of the Presidential Council for Digital Economy Development on August 19, he highlighted persistent problems, including fragmented databases, repeated requests for the same information from citizens and the continued use of paper documents.

The priorities include integrating government information systems, protecting personal data, strengthening cybersecurity and applying the “once-only” principle, under which citizens should not have to repeatedly submit information already held by the state. However, digitalization involves more than launching websites or converting paper certificates into electronic files. It requires simplifying administrative procedures, connecting government databases, introducing reliable digital identification and electronic signatures, training civil servants and ensuring affordable, high-quality internet access. Tajikistan trails its Central Asian neighbors The gap between Tajikistan and other countries in the region is reflected in the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI) for 2024. Kazakhstan ranked 24th out of 193 countries, with a score of 0. 9009, followed by Uzbekistan in 63rd place with 0. 7999 and Kyrgyzstan in 78th place with 0. 7316. Tajikistan…