From vocational training to AI governance: KOICA's evolving role in Central Asia

Korea's development assistance to Central Asia has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from vocational training and rural development to a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital governance. This change is in line with both the region's aspirations and South Korea's strategy to establish enduring partnerships in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

Between 1992 and 2025, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) disbursed approximately $440 million in official development assistance (ODA) to the five Central Asian nations. Uzbekistan received the largest portion, followed by Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Education constituted the largest share at 30.2%, public administration accounted for 24.9%, while technology, environment, and energy comprised 18.8% of the funding.

Throughout this period, KOICA's efforts in the region were primarily centered around traditional development priorities such as vocational training centers, primary healthcare programs, rural infrastructure, and capacity building within the energy sector. However, a pivotal shift occurred around 2021 when the governments in Central Asia began advocating for digitized public services.