Current Issues of Digitalization in Tajikistan

This article explores various aspects of digitalization in Tajikistan, using methods of statistical and horizontal analysis, and the method of data comparison, a comparative analysis of the state of fixed and mobile broadband, speed and price of the Internet in Tajikistan with several countries in Central Asia. The place of the republic in international rankings, as well as a discussion of the existing opportunities and problems in this area are carried out. It has been revealed that despite the adoption of several legal acts that keep up with the times, the country lags behind in the development of its digital infrastructure and technological competitiveness, which hinder the realization of its digital potential. It is emphasized that as far as ICT legal regulation is concerned, Tajikistan over the past thirteen years has not been able to move from one level of regulation to another, having failed to carry out important reforms and thereby to climb the regulatory ladder. Based on the results of the study of the state of digital technologies in the country, the main directions of measures for the transition to unlocking the potential of digital technologies are put forward, which are as follows: (i) bringing regulatory legal acts in digital technologies in line with the adopted strategic goals and objectives; (ii) abolition of state monopolies on the provision of ICT services; (iii) the presence of political will.