The Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, has announced the implementation of a large-scale digital transformation programme for the country. At the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’, he spoke about plans to build a national data centre, develop a state strategy in the field of artificial intelligence, and establish a specialised AI Development Centre based at the ‘Türkmentelekom’ State Enterprise, reports Turkmenportal.

The digital transformation is being carried out as part of the State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028. The programme covers the introduction of 5G technologies, cloud services, big data, the Internet of Things and fintech, as well as the modernisation of e-government, telemedicine and distance learning.

Pilot projects utilising artificial intelligence are already being implemented in education, healthcare, agriculture and traffic management. At the same time, construction of the second phase of the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag is continuing, using cutting-edge digital solutions, and IT centres are being established in both the capital and Arkadag.

Hudayguliyev reported on negotiations with major foreign internet platforms regarding the development of e-commerce and called on foreign investors to invest in Turkmenistan’s digital infrastructure, noting that this is one of the most effective ways to modernise the telecommunications sector.