DUSHANBE — Tajikistan is currently classified as a Group A country eligible only for grant financing, according to the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) new Country Partnership Strategy for the Republic for 2026–2030, Asiaplus.tj reports.
The International Development Association (IDA) is expected to assign Tajikistan the status of a "funding-deficit country" effective July 1, 2026.
"In this case, ADB will begin applying IDA classification to Tajikistan from January 1, 2027, and Tajikistan will become eligible only for concessional lending," the strategy states.
Within the IDA framework, Group A countries are low-income economies classified as most in need of support, making them eligible for grant-based financing. Under the current scenario:
|
Period |
Type of ADB financing for Tajikistan |
|---|---|
|
2026 |
100% grants |
|
2027–2028 |
100% concessional loans |
ADB noted it will assist the Government of Tajikistan in managing this transition by:
- Promoting sound public financial management;
- Strengthening project selection and prioritization;
- Expanding the use of innovative financial instruments.
"To ease adaptation to this transition, ADB is actively mobilizing concessional financing from climate funds, thematic funds, and co-financing partners, and will assist in attracting non-sovereign and private capital that does not increase public debt," ADB representatives emphasized.
The Bank and the Government have agreed to maintain the maximum level of joint financing for country expenditures — covering loans, grants, and technical assistance — at 99% across the entire ADB project portfolio. This arrangement reflects the current high risk of debt distress and Tajikistan's limited debt repayment capacity.
The Government of Tajikistan previously requested that ADB review its financial support modality. Since 2018, the Bank has provided Tajikistan exclusively with grant assistance, citing the country's high debt burden.
ADB remains Tajikistan's leading financial donor, with total assistance amounting to approximately $3 billion, including over $2.2 billion in grants.
The new ADB Country Partnership Strategy focuses on three core areas:
- Structural reforms to improve resource allocation and mobilization;
- Productivity growth through human capital development;
- Improved living standards via investment in the real economy.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 16, 2026