Qatar extends $50m loan to Tajikistan for Rogun hydropower project
Funding deal marks Doha’s growing role in Central Asia as Tajikistan pushes ahead with its biggest energy venture
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — The Qatar Fund for Development has agreed to provide a concessional loan of $50 million to support construction of Tajikistan’s flagship Rogun Hydropower Plant, Tajik officials announced on August 23.
The agreement was signed in Dushanbe by Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, director general of the Qatari development fund, and Tajik Finance Minister Faiziddin Qahhorzoda.
While details of the loan terms were not disclosed, Tajikistan’s Ministry of Finance said the funds will go directly toward advancing work on the massive project, which is seen as vital for the country’s long-term energy security and renewable power generation.
Qatari officials, including Al-Sulaiti and representatives of major banks, also met President Emomali Rahmon. According to the presidential office, discussions covered wider bilateral cooperation, with Rahmon stressing Tajikistan’s intention to deepen economic ties with Qatar, which he described as an influential Arab state and a reliable partner.
Talks also touched on potential investments in transport, agriculture, industry, and mining. Doha’s engagement adds to a growing list of international financiers backing Rogun, reflecting rising global interest in Central Asia’s renewable energy market.
The $50 billion-plus Rogun plant is Tajikistan’s largest infrastructure project and is expected to be completed by 2031. Once finished, it will be the biggest hydropower facility in Central Asia, with a generating capacity of 3,600 megawatts and an estimated annual output of 13–17 billion kilowatt hours — enough to meet domestic needs and create surplus electricity for export across the region.
Tajikistan has already secured major external funding for Rogun. Earlier this year, it signed agreements worth $812 million with global lenders, including grants and concessional loans.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank committed $500 million in 2023, while the Saudi Fund for Development pledged $100 million. Between 2008 and 2024, Dushanbe itself invested around 42.5 billion somoni (about $4 billion) into the project.
Analysts say international support highlights the strategic importance of Rogun, not only for Tajikistan’s economy but also for regional energy integration and sustainable development goals.
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