The Central Bank of Uzbekistan reported that the volume of loans issued to micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Uzbekistan reached 90.3 trillion soms for the period from January to July 2026. This figure demonstrates a 19% increase compared to the same period last year, when the amount was 75.9 trillion soms.
Of the total amount, 22.5 trillion soms was provided under special entrepreneurship programs, representing an increase of 27% compared to 17.6 trillion soms a year earlier. Thus, lending through these special programs grew faster than overall small business lending.
According to the regulator's calculations, loans based on these programs accounted for 24.9% of the total financing for micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which is slightly higher than the 23.3% recorded for the same period in 2025. These figures indicate the growing significance of targeted programs in the structure of small business financing amid overall credit growth.
The largest growth in small business lending was recorded in Navoi region, where the issuance of funds increased from 2.46 trillion to 3.75 trillion soms, exceeding a 50% growth. Significant growth was also noted in Bukhara, Namangan, and Fergana regions, with increases of 34%, 32%, and 31% respectively.
At the same time, Sir Darya region saw a 3% decrease in small business lending, and Jizzakh region saw a 2% decrease.
In terms of absolute volume, Tashkent led, where 23.2 trillion soms was issued during the reporting period.
Among banks, Business-Rivojlanish Bank showed the most noticeable growth, where the loan volume almost doubled. Collectively, a group of small banks increased loan issuance by 68%. However, lending to small businesses decreased in several large banks. For example, Sanoatqurilishbank's volume fell more than twofold, and the National Bank experienced a decline of almost 19%. Agrobank demonstrated a smaller reduction.