AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan’s National Cybersecurity Agency warned that two critical PHP flaws could let attackers take control of vulnerable servers without logging in, putting websites and user data at risk. AI and Digital Government: Officials are preparing rules for safe AI use as the tax service develops tools to flag risks early. Azerbaijan also plans to open state data systems to private companies and expand AI services on its e-government portal. Clean Energy: A new strategy sets a conditional net-zero target for 2060, dependent on funding and technology transfers. A Baku forum presented the feasibility study for a proposed green-energy corridor linking Azerbaijan with Europe. Technology Partnerships: Azerbaijan and Italy signed a critical raw materials cooperation statement, with plans for joint processing and higher-value production; talks also covered AI, digital technologies and industrial projects.**

Critical Minerals and Advanced Industry: Azerbaijan and Italy have signed a declaration on critical raw materials, with cooperation also set to cover AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing. Green Energy: A feasibility study for the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe power corridor is complete, giving partners a basis to plan financing and prepare for a final investment decision in 2029. Azerbaijan has also approved a long-term low-carbon strategy, with its conditional 2060 net-zero target dependent on added funding and technology transfer. Digital Government: Finance reforms are linking contracts, treasury payments and asset records; more than 7,500 e-contracts worth over 3 billion manats have been processed since April, and treasury payments now average 10 hours. Space Technology: Two Taiwanese CubeSats testing communications technology established initial contact with ground stations in Azerbaijan after launch. AI Governance: Azerbaijan is developing rules for safe AI use, while its tax service says AI has cut inspection times by seven to nine weeks.

AI Governance: Azerbaijan is preparing rules for safe AI use in government, building on five standards covering ethics, governance, impact, auditing and testing. A cybersecurity official urged agencies to keep AI away from sensitive systems and production databases to reduce data-leak risks. Mining Technology: AzerGold has registered its first foreign subsidiary in Uzbekistan to assess the Akba gold deposit. Exploration, subject to licensing, is planned to include resource estimates, metallurgical tests and environmental assessments. Digital Infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched a 380-kilometer Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, opening a new digital route toward Europe. Renewable Energy: An EU-backed report notes Azerbaijan’s progress in renewables and growing interest from international developers, while recommending more locally led, smaller-scale projects. AI in Public Services: Azerbaijan’s Tax Service says AI has shortened inspection times by seven to nine weeks and has established a committee to oversee AI-related risks.

AI Governance: Azerbaijan is preparing safety rules for AI in government, building on five national standards covering ethics, oversight, auditing and testing. A cybersecurity official warned that AI should not directly access sensitive government databases and suggested licensing users of AI tools. Digital Safety: Schools have restricted TikTok and more than 200 other pieces of harmful content, the deputy education minister said, urging families to monitor children’s online activity. Renewable Energy: An EU-funded business report says Azerbaijan has made significant progress and is attracting developers, but European firms mostly work as subcontractors; it recommends more small-scale local projects as the current pipeline advances. Digital Infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched a 380-kilometre Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, creating a new digital link between the two countries. Public-Sector AI: Azerbaijan’s tax service says AI has shortened inspection times by seven to nine weeks.

AI and Tax Technology: Azerbaijan’s tax service says AI and data analytics have cut inspection times by 7–9 weeks. A new committee will oversee technology risks, with officials retaining final decisions on liability. Rural Connectivity: Aztelekom has installed 334 kilometres of fibre-optic cable in Aghdara, bringing high-speed internet to 868 households and 68 businesses. Digital Finance: Azerbaijan Airlines has rebuilt AZAL Miles as a digital wallet, letting members earn and spend miles with partner businesses and split payments between cash and miles. Regional Infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have opened a 380-kilometre Trans-Caspian fibre-optic cable, creating a new digital link between the two countries.

Digital Finance: Azerbaijan Airlines has turned AZAL Miles into a digital-wallet-style loyalty program, letting members earn and spend miles with partner businesses and split payments between cash and miles. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan also signed a cooperation deal with Slovakia’s National Bank covering payment systems, fintech and financial supervision. Connectivity: Aztelekom has installed 1,768 poles and laid 334 kilometres of fibre-optic cable in Aghdara, bringing internet service to 868 households and 68 businesses. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have also launched a 380-kilometre Trans-Caspian fibre-optic cable to strengthen digital links between Europe and Asia. Digital Skills: A new inclusive training centre in Baku will teach web design, software development and other vocational skills to people with disabilities and neurodivergent learners. Climate: Azerbaijan’s greenhouse gas emissions fell 1.4% in 2025, according to the European Commission’s emissions database.

AI and Skills: Bakcell’s CEO discussed artificial intelligence and future digital skills with ADA University students. A new inclusive training centre in Baku will offer courses in web design, software development and other fields for people with disabilities and neurodivergent learners. Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan inaugurated a 380-kilometre fibre-optic cable beneath the Caspian Sea, with capacity above 400 terabits per second. The link is intended to support faster regional data traffic and attract investment in cloud services and AI. Farm Technology: Azerbaijan plans 33 AI and digital solutions for agriculture in 2026. A related project draws on data from 180 weather stations and satellites to support farm decisions. Caspian Science: Scientists warn that continued water-level decline could shrink fish habitats and disrupt shipping and ports, adding urgency to monitoring the sea’s changing ecosystem.

Caspian Warning: Scientists say the sea has fallen an average of 23 centimetres a year over the past five years. Continued decline threatens habitats, shipping and ports, and could connect a Russian island to the mainland. Rail Technology: Škoda is exploring metro and railway upgrades in Baku, including maintenance and potential local manufacturing with an Azerbaijani partner. Digital Links: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched a 380-kilometre Trans-Caspian fibre-optic cable, opening a new digital route toward Europe. Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan’s farm technology programme uses data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for 2026. Research Partnerships: Azerbaijan Technical University signed agreements with seven Uzbek universities covering research and exchanges in engineering, transport, energy and IT.

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometer fiber-optic cable across the Caspian, opening a new digital route linking Central Asia with Europe and China. University Research: Azerbaijan Technical University signed agreements with seven Uzbek universities to expand cooperation in engineering, transport, energy and IT. More than 40 Azerbaijani and Chinese scholars also gathered in Beijing for a conference on Azerbaijani studies. Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan’s farm technology project is drawing on data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for agriculture this year. Regional Tech Cooperation: A TURKPA meeting in Bishkek on October 19–20 will focus on parliamentary cooperation in the Turkic world amid artificial intelligence and technological change.

Research Partnerships: Azerbaijan Technical University signed agreements with seven Uzbek universities in Khankendi, covering joint research and exchanges in engineering, transport, energy and IT. A China-Azerbaijan scientific conference in Beijing also brought together more than 40 scholars to strengthen academic cooperation. Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometer fiber-optic line across the Caspian, opening a new data route between Central Asia, China and Europe. Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan’s farm technology program uses data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for 2026; Baku and Beijing have also explored smart-farming cooperation.

University Partnerships: Azerbaijan Technical University signed agreements with seven Uzbek universities in Khankendi, covering research and exchanges in engineering, transport, energy and IT. A China–Azerbaijan studies conference also opened in Beijing, bringing together more than 40 scholars. Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometre fiber-optic cable across the Caspian, creating a new digital link between Central Asia and Europe. Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan’s farm technology project draws on data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for agriculture this year. Fintech: The Central Bank is developing rules for AI and data management as Azerbaijan’s instant payment system handles about one million transactions a day.

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched a 380-kilometre fiber-optic cable beneath the Caspian, opening a new route for data between Central Asia and Europe and reducing reliance on Russian networks. Clean Energy: Azerbaijan plans to invest $2.6 billion in 11 power plants by the end of 2027, while targeting 8 GW of solar and wind capacity by 2032. Agritech: The country is developing 33 AI and digital tools for agriculture, drawing on data from 180 weather stations and satellites; officials say innovation can help raise farm productivity and incomes. Research Links: Universities in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have agreed to expand joint research, academic exchanges and innovation projects. Azerbaijani scholars also met students at Beijing Foreign Studies University as a conference on Azerbaijani studies opened in Beijing. Digital Economy: Information and communication services grew 11.1% year-on-year in January–September, as Azerbaijan targets a larger non-oil economy by 2030.

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometre fiber-optic cable beneath the Caspian, linking Sumgait and Aktau and creating a new route for data traffic between Asia and Europe. Research and Education: Nearly 30 Azerbaijani and Uzbek universities met in Khankendi to expand joint research and innovation; Baku Engineering University signed cooperation deals with two Uzbek institutions, while Baku State University agreed partnerships with nine. Smart Agriculture: Azerbaijan is developing 33 AI and digital solutions for farming, drawing on data from 180 weather stations and satellites. Officials say innovation can help farmers manage water, weather risks and crop losses. Clean Energy: Azerbaijan plans to complete 11 power plants with about 2 GW of capacity by the end of 2027, as it pursues a goal of 8 GW of solar and wind power by 2032. Standards: The country adopted 620 new state standards in the first nine months of 2026, nearly three times the total for the same period last year; almost 4,000 regulatory documents are planned for 2026–28.

Digital Infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan inaugurated a 380-kilometer Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, strengthening regional data links. Azerbaijan is also set to establish a Digital Communications information system. Investment & Innovation: The World Bank Group says it mobilized nearly $100 million in private capital in Azerbaijan in fiscal 2026, with its country program supporting digital infrastructure, AI, renewable energy and more efficient water use. Smart Agriculture: Azerbaijan and Chinese companies discussed investment in smart farming, greenhouses and food processing. The country’s 2026 agriculture plan targets 33 AI and digital solutions, using weather-station and satellite data. Transport Technology: Azerbaijan Railways joined Kazakhstan’s New Silk Way forum, where regional rail operators explored AI and digital logistics to improve Middle Corridor freight. Cybersecurity: Researchers say the Silent Lynx hacking group exploited a WinRAR flaw in espionage campaigns against nine governments, including Azerbaijan.

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched the 380-kilometre Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, linking Sumgayit and Aktau with capacity above 400 terabits per second. The route is designed to carry data between Asia and Europe and strengthen the Middle Corridor. Digital Government: Azerbaijan ordered a new “Digital Communications” information system to digitize telecom and postal services and improve regulatory oversight. Agritech: Azerbaijan’s farm AI project draws on data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for agriculture in 2026. Officials also discussed Chinese investment and technology partnerships in the sector. Aviation: Türkiye has signed an agreement to export 14 Hürkuş trainer aircraft to Azerbaijan, a major addition to bilateral aerospace cooperation. Regional Tech Cooperation: The Baku CICA summit’s declaration highlighted science, innovation, digital connectivity and the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.

Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan plans to deploy 33 AI and digital tools this year, using data from 180 weather stations alongside satellite and drone imagery, soil sensors and farm records to support productivity, subsidies and livestock management. Fintech: The Central Bank is drafting rules to let fintech firms offer more services and join the instant-payment system, which handles up to one million transactions a day. Tech skills: Baku’s AWS Agentic Football Cup on Oct. 17 will give participants hands-on experience building autonomous AI teams on cloud infrastructure; the city also hosted the 20th IEEE conference on information and communications technologies. Digital infrastructure: Azerbaijan plans to cut electricity-grid connection procedures from seven to two and shorten the wait from 41 days to 20 through one-stop and online services.