Alison, the global leader in free online learning, announces a strategic partnership with Uzbekistan's Digital Education Development Center and its platform, aileaders.uz, serving 700,000+ active users and aiming to reach 5 million learners. Through direct API integration, Alison’s 6,000+ CPD-accredited courses, spanning AI training, data science, and IT upskilling, will support the government’s new “Five Million AI Leaders” initiative, a major expansion from its earlier “One Million Uzbek Coders” project.

Uzbekistan leads global skills race with future-tech ambitions

Uzbekistan continues to pioneer in digital education, now aiming to equip 5 million citizens with AI and advanced digital skills. This rebranded project, “Five Million AI Leaders,” reflects the President’s vision to position Uzbekistan as a global hub for artificial intelligence and technology innovation. The Global Skills Report 2024 by Coursera ranks Uzbekistan at the top for workforce training. Recent labour market data shows that job postings requiring AI skills have more than doubled in the last two years, with AI capabilities now appearing in over three times more roles than in 2023, underscoring the urgency of large-scale AI upskilling initiatives like Five Million AI Leaders. They have already proven through past Coursera partnerships, reaching over 1 million users, and have identified Alison as the ideal long-term content partner to deliver high-quality, accessible IT online training courses, aligned with national IT education policy.

Seamless API integration delivers AI upskilling at scale

Through this partnership, Alison’s extensive catalogue, including AI courses, IT online training, cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management, is now seamlessly available directly within aileaders.uz. The API-based integration allows users to access globally recognised Certifications within their familiar local platform, empowering learners and educators across the country. The collaboration offers advanced analytics and customisation options, ensuring the content remains scalable, impactful, and adaptable to Uzbekistan’s growing digital economy.

Transformative benefits for learners, educators, and the economy

Learners gain immediate access to job-ready AI and technology skills, boosting employability and innovation capacity across Uzbekistan. Educators and institutions benefit from a rich, accredited learning library, while employers gain access to a highly skilled pipeline of tech talent. This partnership supports Uzbekistan’s national digital transformation strategy by democratising access to AI and online IT training, ensuring inclusion, scalability, and measurable outcomes for millions.

"Uzbekistan’s Digital Education Development Center is leading one of the most ambitious digital education transformations in the world, added Olivia Cosgrove, Head of Business Solutions, Alison. Through aileaders.uz, Alison is proud to partner in building the skills foundation for a future defined by artificial intelligence, innovation, and opportunity. Together, we’re creating a model for scalable, government-backed AI learning that other nations can follow.”

“Alisher Rapiyev, Head of Department of Educational Institutions and Distance Education Development, Digital Education Development Center (DEDC), added, this partnership with Alison strengthens our commitment to make high-quality, future-focused education accessible at scale. Through aileaders.uz, we aim to reach 5 million citizens, equipping them with the AI and digital skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce. It is a proud step forward in our mission to transform Uzbekistan into a regional hub for technology and innovation.”

Driving central Asia’s digital future

As part of its broader regional vision, Alison plans to expand its presence across Central Asia, scaling further partnerships through API integration, localised language support, and new AI training courses. The “Five Million AI Leaders” initiative, underpinned by this collaboration, marks a new chapter in national-scale learning delivery, bridging technology, education, and accessibility to prepare a future-ready workforce.

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About Digital Education Development Center, Uzbekistan

The Digital Education Development Center leads Uzbekistan’s national digital skills strategy, advancing large-scale AI and IT education through government-backed initiatives. Represented by experts like Ilkhom Jurayev, Deputy Head of the Department of Educational Institutions and Distance Education Development (DEDC), the Center fosters partnerships with global EdTech leaders to make lifelong learning accessible nationwide.

Aileaders.uz, the Center’s flagship platform, is central to Uzbekistan’s “Five Million AI Leaders” project, a bold initiative to educate 5 million citizens in AI and digital literacy. Building on the success of “One Million Uzbek Coders,” which reached over 1 million users through past collaborations, the upgraded platform now focuses on accessible, scalable online IT and AI training, empowering Uzbekistan’s workforce for the future.

About Alison

Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered Learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively — at zero cost.

The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.

For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited Learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workforce Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing, English Language Proficiency, Numeracy, Verbal and Abstract Reasoning tests.

To further support career development, Learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App.

In 2025, Alison is launching a Global Recruitment Service to connect employers directly with skilled, motivated Learners. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with full Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.

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