UNICEF and Tcell Strengthen Youth Skills Development and Employment in Tajikistan, through a New Training Partnership

Dushanbe, 23 January 2026 - UNICEF Tajikistan and Tcell have signed a new Training and Skills Development Plan for 2026, reinforcing their partnership to support digital inclusion, employability, and skills development for 1,500 adolescents and young people aged 18-24 years in five region and cities across the country.

The amended agreement is part of the ongoing collaboration between UNICEF and Tcell to provide additional support for UNICEF’s Learning 2 Earning programme which aims to provide a pathway for young people from training and 21^st century skills development, to meaningful employment. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to expand opportunities for young people to build practical skills aligned with labor market needs.

Under the 8-month Training Plan, Tcell Business Academy will deliver structured training to 1,500 participants identified by UNICEF from Impact Sourcing Hubs (ISHs) and Adolescent Innovation Labs (AILs). The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ competencies in communication, presentation, sales, and customer service, key skills that enhance employability, competitiveness, and earning potential in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

The training will be delivered through two interactive sessions per month, held once every two weeks, with each session lasting three hours. Over the course of six months, a total of 60 training sessions will be conducted across five regions: Dushanbe, Khujand, Bokhtar, Kulyab, and Khorog, amounting to 180 academic hours nationwide.

“As part of this strengthened partnership, Tcell will train 1,500 young people across five locations over a period of six months, through 60 high-quality training sessions delivered by Tcell’s own professional trainers. This is an ambitious undertaking, and it reflects Tcell’s genuine dedication to equipping young people with the skills and competencies essential in today’s rapidly evolving economy,” said Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Tajikistan Representative.

This initiative reflects UNICEF Tajikistan’s commitment to empowering adolescents and young people with relevant skills, while leveraging private sector partnerships to scale impact and

reach those most in need. By combining UNICEF’s youth development platforms with Tcell’s expertise through its Business Academy, the programme contributes to building pathways for inclusive economic participation and sustainable livelihoods.

“For 25 years, Tcell has grown together with Tajikistan, investing not only in technology and connectivity, but in people. This partnership with UNICEF reflects our long-standing belief that sustainable development is built through local talent, local leadership, and the transfer of world-class skills to the next generation. At Tcell, we are proud to operate with global standards while remaining deeply rooted in local trust. Our success has been driven by Tajik professionals who have grown, learned, and led within the country, without reliance on expatriate models, but through continuous learning and knowledge transfer.  Through the Tcell Business Academy, we are committed to equipping young people with practical, market-relevant skills that translate directly into employability and income opportunities. By empowering youth with communication, customer engagement, and sales competencies, we are helping to build a confident, skilled workforce ready to compete in the digital economy. Together with UNICEF, we are not only investing in training, but in the long-term economic resilience of Tajikistan, ensuring that young people can thrive, contribute, and lead the country’s future with competence, dignity, and ambition,” said Tcell CEO, Ozodkhon Davlatshoev.

UNICEF Tajikistan remains committed to working with partners across sectors to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country’s development.