In January-February 2026, under the EGED Programme, the Development Policy Institute (DPI) delivers a series of financial literacy seminars in rural municipalities of Kyrgyzstan. The initiative addressed low financial literacy as a key constraint to local economic development.
The trainings primarily targeted women, youth, and socially vulnerable groups with limited access to financial knowledge and investment tools. The seminars were initiated by Coordination Councils with the support of district state administrations.
The programme applied a practice-oriented approach, covering personal and business financial management, budgeting, profitability analysis, distinctions between grants, loans and investments, and basic skills for preparing business projects and investment pitches.
Participants reported increased awareness of financial risks, more responsible attitudes towards borrowing, and improved readiness for entrepreneurial activities.
Entrepreneur Nazgul Salimbaeva highlighted the practical value of the training:
“I realized how debt traps affect business growth and decided to adopt a ‘financial diet’ focused on growth-oriented financing”.
Entrepreneur Chynara Tynysova emphasized the importance of peer learning: “The participation of young people was especially valuable, creating space for mutual learning and exchange of experience”.
Healthcare worker Roza Orzubekova noted that the seminar helped her clarify personal goals: “I plan to open a women’s fitness center and now clearly understand the first steps”. The seminars are implemented within the EGED Programme with financial support from the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
