University of Central Asia: Expanding the Horizons of Regional Entrepreneurship

Afghanistan | Kyrgyzstan | Pakistan | Tajikistan

Donor:                  European Union
Period of Activity: January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2023
Courses:                   Agriculture Business, Tourism
Participants:         85 small entrepreneurship owners from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan

Under the extensive ‘Accelerate Prosperity in Central and South Asia’ (AP Asia) project, funded by the European Union, UCA’s SPCE implemented the unique Executive Entrepreneurship Training (EET) programme.

This was a rigorous, long-term initiative: the training spanned an entire year and comprised three comprehensive cycles (totalling 45 days of face-to-face instruction). Developed by leading international experts and conducted entirely in English, each of the four cohorts underwent intensive preparation exceeding 308 hours (12 ECTS credits).

A pivotal element of the programme was the practical application of knowledge: upon completion, each cohort participated in a series of ‘pitching’ sessions. Participants presented their business models to representatives from leading banking institutions and professional investors to secure financing and explore strategic partnerships. In total, the EET programme engaged 85 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.

Sectoral Focus and Regional Achievements

Despite significant global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regional geopolitical instability, SPCE successfully delivered the programme across four key sectors:

Agribusiness (2021): 24 entrepreneurs mastered strategies for value chain development. Despite pandemic-related restrictions, participants successfully completed all training cycles at the Naryn and Khorog campuses, as well as various satellite centres.
Tourism (2022): 22 executives developed sustainable tourism models and cross-border itineraries. Due to border closures and political shifts, the three-cycle structure was adapted: sessions were held in Bishkek and Dushanbe, concluding with a final stage in Bishkek.
IT Technologies (2022): 21 participants focused on scaling Fintech and Health-tech solutions, leading to the signing of significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) within the IT and Agri-tech (IoT) sectors.
Green Construction (2023): 18 participants studied sustainable building techniques and ‘green’ financing. The module included site visits and project presentations to experts from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education and Science.

Special emphasis was placed on empowering women; in Naryn, an additional 30 female entrepreneurs received specialised training at the UCA Entrepreneurship Centre.

Success Stories: From Local Ideas to Global Markets

The impact of the EET programme is best demonstrated by the achievements of its alumni:

Aitemir Mudinov (Kyrgyzstan): At just 18 years old, he launched an IT startup that secured $25,000 at the Astana Hub and achieved successful global market entry.
Munarbek Kuldanbaev, Horse Breeder (Kyrgyzstan): Successfully scaled their business by integrating into tourism value chains following the year-long training.
Mahinahon Suleimanova, Neksikol Company (Tajikistan): Established a robust export business for fruits and traditional handicrafts.
Saitaali Gaibuldaev Murgab Tour Company (Tajikistan): Significantly expanded their tourism company by implementing international-standard business strategies.

Future Outlook and Sustainability

UCA and SPCE remain committed to nurturing the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Future plans include adapting modules into local languages, increasing the focus on digital solutions for climate resilience, and strengthening the Alumni Network to foster long-term partnerships across Central Asia.

This project was implemented with the financial support of the European Union.