IDA to Fund Digital CASA’s Second Phase
Bishkek, June 12, 2024 – The International Development Association, a part of the World Bank, has announced that they will be financing the Digital CASA project in Kyrgyzstan in order to improve Internet access in the country.
The agreement for this financing was originally signed in 2019, with the IDA allocating $50 million to the Kyrgyz Republic in 2021. Half of these funds were provided as a grant, while the other half was given as an interest-free loan for 38 years with a six-year deferment on payment.
Since the project was initially drawn up in 2021, the Ministry of Digital Development has reported that the needs in Kyrgyzstan have grown, requiring additional funds. In response to this, the IDA has agreed to further finance the project by providing $7 million in the form of a 50-year interest-free loan with a ten-year grace period.
The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has approved the ratification of the agreement for this additional financing in the second reading, signaling a positive step towards further improving Internet access in the country. This investment is expected to have a significant impact on connectivity and digital opportunities for the people of Kyrgyzstan.
