Uzbekistan's Digital Leap: New Data Hub to Power AI Ambitions in Central Asia

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – June 17, 2026 – In a move set to reshape Central Asia's digital landscape, Beeline Uzbekistan has forged a strategic partnership with global data center developer DataVolt. The collaboration, announced at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, will see the development of state-of-the-art data infrastructure, positioning Uzbekistan to accelerate its transformation from a connectivity market into a regional hub for artificial intelligence and cloud services.

The agreement involves two key memorandums of understanding (MoUs). The first establishes Beeline Uzbekistan, a subsidiary of the global digital operator VEON, as a major anchor tenant in DataVolt's flagship Tashkent IT Park data center, TAS-1. A second, non-binding MoU paves the way for the two companies to explore a potential data center project in the historic city of Bukhara, signaling a long-term commitment to expanding digital capacity across the nation.

This partnership is more than just new construction; it's a foundational piece of a national strategy, directly supporting the ambitious 'Digital Uzbekistan 2030' agenda and responding to a surge in demand for robust, sovereign data solutions.

Laying the Foundation for a Digital Future

At the heart of the deal is DataVolt's TAS-1, a facility poised to become a cornerstone of Uzbekistan's digital economy. The world-class, Tier III data center represents a $150 million investment and is designed to deliver 12 MW of scalable IT capacity across six purpose-built data halls. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, TAS-1 is engineered specifically for the high-density workloads required by modern cloud computing and AI applications.

Underscoring a commitment to global standards, the facility is designed for LEED Gold certification and will be the first AI-powered data center in Central Asia. Its design incorporates high-efficiency cooling, a resilient power architecture, and an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for continuous green power operation, aligning with Uzbekistan’s national sustainability goals. As an anchor tenant, Beeline Uzbekistan secures the critical capacity needed to expand its digital services and localize data processing, a move VEON Group's CEO believes is crucial for the market.

"Every digital service our customers use depends on a data center somewhere. We believe that, for Beeline Uzbekistan’s digital services, that somewhere should be Uzbekistan," said Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group. "Sovereign data storage and processing deliver superior customer experiences, enhance resilience and security, and keep more economic value within the country."

Fueling the 'Digital Uzbekistan 2030' Vision

The Beeline-DataVolt partnership is a direct enabler of the 'Digital Uzbekistan 2030' strategy, a presidential initiative launched in 2020 to overhaul the nation's economy through technology. The strategy aims to elevate Uzbekistan into the top 30 of the UN E-Government Survey by 2030, grow IT service exports to $5 billion, and create 300,000 high-paying jobs in the tech sector.

By providing the physical infrastructure for cloud and AI, the new data centers create the bedrock upon which these ambitions can be built. This infrastructure is expected to attract further investment from global technology giants and foster a vibrant local ecosystem of digital innovation. The focus on job creation is also being addressed directly, with DataVolt partnering with local institutions like Shirin College to develop a skilled workforce capable of managing and innovating within these advanced facilities.

"Telecommunications networks are no longer just connecting people and devices. They are becoming platforms for distributing computing power and digital intelligence," explained Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan. "By developing world-class data center infrastructure with DataVolt, we are creating the foundation for AI services, local data processing and digital innovation at scale. This partnership supports Uzbekistan’s ambition to become the digital and AI hub of Central Asia."

Navigating Data Sovereignty and Surging Demand

The investment arrives as demand for data center services in Uzbekistan is skyrocketing. The local market reached an estimated $317 million by the end of 2024, a 46% increase since 2020, driven by widespread digital transformation and national data localization regulations. Initially, a strict 2021 law required all personal data of Uzbek citizens to be stored within the country, creating significant demand for local capacity.

Recognizing the need to balance security with global integration, Uzbekistan revised its legal framework effective March 31, 2026. The new, more targeted approach mandates localization primarily for sensitive information, including biometric, genetic, and telecommunications user data. This reform eases restrictions on international platforms while still ensuring that critical citizen data remains within national borders.

DataVolt's facilities are perfectly timed to address these updated requirements. For a major operator like Beeline, having local, high-security infrastructure is essential for compliance, enhancing service resilience, and building trust with customers. This move towards 'digital sovereignty' ensures that Uzbekistan can control its digital destiny while participating in the global digital economy.

Central Asia's Emerging Infrastructure Boom

This partnership is a prime example of a broader trend: Central Asia is rapidly becoming a new frontier for digital infrastructure investment. The region's strategic location, growing economies, and increasing internet penetration make it an attractive market for global players. While Kazakhstan has been a major hub, Uzbekistan's favorable investment climate and clear strategic vision are drawing significant attention.

DataVolt's commitment extends far beyond the initial $150 million project. The company has announced ambitions to invest an additional $3 billion in Uzbekistan, aiming to expand its data center capacity to a massive 500 MW. Future projects include a 250 MW campus in "New Tashkent" and a large-scale facility in the Bukhara region, potentially bringing total foreign investment to $5 billion by 2030.

This influx of capital is part of a holistic development push. The Tashkent IT Park itself is undergoing a major expansion to become a comprehensive "artificial intelligence hub," complete with research centers and new office space. Simultaneously, Beeline Uzbekistan continues to modernize its own mobile network, recently deploying dozens of new base stations to handle exponential growth in data traffic. Together, these parallel efforts in software, hardware, and connectivity are creating a powerful, self-reinforcing ecosystem that is set to propel Uzbekistan to the forefront of the digital era in its region.