BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 8. Azerbaijan and the
World Bank have discussed possible support for the development of
artificial intelligence (AI)-based infrastructure, the Azerbaijani
Ministry of Digital Development and Transport reported.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister
of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Hasanov and World Bank
Country Manager for Azerbaijan Sasha Bakes.
The meeting addressed opportunities for cooperation in priority
areas identified under the Action Plan for 2026-2028 on
accelerating digital development in Azerbaijan.
The sides also exchanged views on possible World Bank support
for digital transformation, the development of AI-based
infrastructure, data centers and the Government Cloud, as well as
training cybersecurity specialists and personnel with digital
skills.
Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the World Bank covers various
areas alongside digital development, including infrastructure,
energy, transport, agriculture, water management, employment and
institutional reforms. Since Azerbaijan joined the World Bank, a
total of around $4.9 billion in financing has been allocated for 53
projects.
One of the main areas of cooperation with the World Bank has
been the implementation of projects aligned with Azerbaijan's
development priorities and reform agenda. Projects carried out
within the partnership have covered infrastructure development,
expansion of energy and transport capabilities, improvement of
water management, employment growth and strengthening institutional
capacity.
At the same time, attention is being paid to Azerbaijan's
growing role in the international development agenda. After
attaining upper-middle-income country status, Azerbaijan has
increased its support for international development initiatives as
a donor.
The World Bank has expressed interest in continuing long-term
cooperation with Azerbaijan and expanding the partnership into new
areas.
Digital transformation and AI are currently being considered
among the new areas of cooperation. In this context, discussions on
possible support for data centers, the Government Cloud,
cybersecurity and digital skills development are creating new
opportunities to strengthen Azerbaijan's digital
infrastructure.
