Uzbekistan small business lending rises 19% to 90.3 trillion soums

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Loans issued to micro, small and medium-sized businesses in Uzbekistan reached 90.3 trillion soums in January-July 2026, up 19% from 75.9 trillion soums in the same period last year, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan said.

Of the total, 22.5 trillion soums was provided through special entrepreneurship programs, a 27% increase from 17.6 trillion soums a year earlier. Lending through these programs therefore grew faster than lending to small businesses overall.

According to the regulator’s calculations, program-based loans accounted for 24.9% of total financing for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, compared with about 23.3% in the same period of 2025. The figures indicate a growing role for targeted programs in the financing structure of small businesses amid overall growth in lending.

By region, the largest increase in small business lending was recorded in Navoiy region, where lending rose from 2.46 trillion to 3.75 trillion soums, an increase of more than 50%. Bukhara, Namangan and Ferghana regions also recorded significant growth, at 34%, 32% and 31%, respectively.

At the same time, lending to small businesses declined by 3% in Syrdarya region and by 2% in Jizzakh region.

Tashkent led by the absolute volume of lending, with 23.2 trillion soums issued during the reporting period.

Among banks, Business-Rivojlanish Bank recorded the most notable increase, with lending almost doubling. A group of smaller banks collectively increased lending by 68%.

At several major banks, however, lending to small businesses declined. At Sanoatqurilishbank, the volume fell by more than half, while lending at the National Bank decreased by nearly 19%. Agrobank recorded a smaller decline.