The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), in partnership with the governments of the United Kingdom and Switzerland, has launched a new phase of regional collaboration aimed at accelerating green and inclusive economic growth across the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The initiative, implemented through Accelerate Prosperity — An AKDN Initiative, seeks to expand climate-smart innovation and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Central Asia.
Aligned Efforts to Drive Innovation and Economic Inclusion
The partnership brings together the UK’s Green Inclusive Growth Business Development Services and Switzerland’s Supporting Accelerated Growth of Entrepreneurship (Phase II) under a unified regional framework. By aligning the two government-backed programs with AKF’s longstanding community and economic development network, the initiative aims to shift from parallel efforts to fully coordinated impact across the region.
Working collectively, the partners plan to:
- Create more than 5,000 new jobs, prioritizing marginalized communities
- Unlock over USD 17 million in private investment for high-potential ventures
- Support 2,000+ entrepreneurs, with a focus on women and young innovators
Officials describe the model as a significant step toward enabling businesses that can respond to the region’s dual challenges: economic resilience and climate adaptation.
Entrepreneurs Lead Central Asia’s Green Transition
Central Asia is emerging as a growing hub of climate-smart innovations — from water-efficient agriculture to clean-tech manufacturing and digital solutions that reduce environmental impact. Yet many businesses still face barriers to accessing growth capital, business development support and investment-readiness services.
The newly introduced joint framework aims to bridge these gaps by:
- Expanding access to innovation-focused training
- Strengthening the pipeline of investment-ready, inclusive enterprises
- Connecting entrepreneurs to local and international investors
- Promoting technologies and business models that support low-carbon growth
By integrating entrepreneurship with climate priorities, the partnership aligns regional economic ambitions with global sustainability commitments.
Bishkek Event Marks Launch of Collaborative Phase
The new phase of cooperation was formally highlighted at a networking reception in Bishkek last week, hosted by Accelerate Prosperity. Senior officials from the UK and Swiss embassies joined government representatives, business leaders, investors and development partners to underscore their commitment to advancing regional innovation.
Speakers at the event emphasized that coordinated development programs can significantly accelerate the pace of private-sector–led growth. Representatives also noted growing investor interest in the region’s green and inclusive businesses, especially those led by women and youth.
Strengthening Central Asia’s Innovation Ecosystem
The partnership is expected to reinforce the broader economic landscape by expanding opportunities for small and growing businesses — often the backbone of Central Asia’s local economies. Through targeted financial and technical support, entrepreneurs will gain the tools and networks needed to scale innovative products and solutions.
AKF officials highlighted that new capital flows and mentorship programs will help early-stage ventures overcome traditional obstacles, improving the region’s competitiveness in emerging green industries. The initiative also supports long-term resilience by promoting climate-aware business practices and social inclusion.
A Regional Commitment to a More Inclusive, Sustainable Future
By combining resources, technical expertise and regional networks, AKF and its government partners aim to accelerate Central Asia’s transition toward a greener, more inclusive economy. The effort underscores a shared belief that entrepreneurship — especially when inclusive and climate-focused — is a powerful driver of sustainable development.
As implementation begins across the three countries, officials say the partnership represents a long-term commitment to fostering innovation, attracting private capital and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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