Regional head: EBRD supports digital modernisation of Azerbaijan's water sector

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is playing a key role in digitally modernising Azerbaijan's water sector and enhancing its sustainability, according to Alkis Drakinos, the EBRD's Regional Director for the Caucasus.

Speaking at the State and IT Eurasian Forum in Baku, Drakinos highlighted the bank’s ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of water resource management using modern technologies, Caliber.Az reports per Azertag. 

He explained that the EBRD is collaborating with the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan to help identify and address the challenges associated with digitalisation. This cooperation is intended to ensure the country's long-term water security.

The EBRD's support is being provided through its Digital Transformation and Cyber Resilience programmes, which are being implemented in partnership with national authorities. Drakinos emphasised that the bank’s efforts are centred on ensuring that digitalisation and artificial intelligence contribute to public welfare while also supporting sustainable infrastructure development.

Since the start of its cooperation with Azerbaijan, the EBRD has invested over €3.6 billion in more than 200 projects across various sectors, including utilities and water supply. These projects aim to improve the quality of life for the population, strengthen the economy, and contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the country’s regions.

One notable project is the Strategist IT Hub, which was launched in 2022 with financial support from the EBRD and in cooperation with the Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre of the Ministry of Economy.

Drakinos pointed to the success of this initiative, which provided free IT training to 85 young people from Ganja, Lankaran, Sheki, and Nakhchivan, all of whom were offered job opportunities upon completion of the programme. This, he noted, demonstrates the potential of joint efforts to create skilled professionals and open up new opportunities for the future.

The EBRD representative also emphasised that such initiatives are instrumental in strengthening Azerbaijan’s human capital and positioning the country as a regional hub for digital growth.

By Sabina Mammadli