EFFECTIVENESS OF DIGITAL EMPLOYMENT PLATFORMS IN REDUCING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

Uzbekistan faces a significant youth employment challenge: roughly 11% of its 15–24-year-olds are unemployed[1] despite rapid economic growth. At the same time, internet and mobile coverage have expanded dramatically (around 89% internet penetration in 2025[2]). This paper examines whether online job platforms can help bridge this gap. Drawing on a mixed-methods study (a survey of 500 youth and interviews with 20 employers), alongside secondary data and literature, we find that digital job portals improve access to vacancies and skill matching for many urban youth. Survey results indicate 60% of urban respondents had used a job portal, and of those, 45% secured a position through it. Platforms such as Ishly (an employer–employee matching site) and OLX.uz (a classifieds portal) were highlighted as especially useful, echoing World Bank findings that private online portals are viewed by youth as “the most effective” job-search channel[3]. However, gaps remain: rural youth and young women participate less (only 25% of rural respondents used portals, vs. 70% urban; 50% of female vs. 65% of male respondents reported use), reflecting lower digital literacy and infrastructure disparities. Many respondents reported that governmental portals (e.g. ish.mehnat.uz) are unwieldy and outdated[4]. We discuss policy implications: bolstering digital skills training, improving rural connectivity, and encouraging inclusive platform design. Overall, our findings suggest that while digital platforms alone cannot solve youth unemployment, they substantially improve job accessibility and matching, especially for urban youth, and should be integrated into broader employment strategies.