Possible Wildberries Investment Could Spark UzPost’s Digital Transformation
A possible acquisition of a stake in Uzbekistan’s national postal operator UzPost by Russian online marketplace Wildberries could mark a major step in its digital transformation, according to economist Shukhrat Bobokhuzhaev.
«UzPost genuinely needs major investment and partners to build a digital platform. If the reports about Wildberries’ acquisition are confirmed, it would be good news that could turn the postal service into a thriving business,» Bobokhuzhaev told Kursiv Uzbekistan.
The expert recalled that back in 2018, UzPost had already attempted a digital upgrade under Russian manager Evgeny Birger, but the project stalled due to a lack of funding. Since then, the company’s performance has declined, with several branches closing. The participation of a large investor could reverse that trend, he added.
Rumours of Wildberries Stake Acquisition
On October 13, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported, citing local media, that a Russian marketplace, believed to be Wildberries, had purchased the state’s share in UzPost.
According to the Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organisations (USREO), 100% of UzPost’s shares are currently owned by various shareholders, though their identities have not been disclosed.
Kursiv has reached out to the State Asset Management Agency (UzSAMA) and Wildberries’ press office for confirmation, but no official response has been received.
In a statement released amid reports of privatisation, UzPost expressed interest in attracting investment to develop its infrastructure and logistics network. The company said that fresh investment would help strengthen its financial resilience, improve competitiveness, enhance service quality, and expand accessibility.
It also emphasised that its shareholders remain state bodies and organisations, including the Ministry of Economy and ASAM. UzPost assured that any investor engagement would be announced in line with Uzbekistan’s legislation.
Uzum Also Interested in Investing
Uzbekistan’s national online platform Uzum has also declared its readiness to invest in the modernisation of UzPost, particularly in the development of post offices, logistics, and digital solutions.
«E-commerce is becoming the main partner of national postal operators around the world. We want to bring that experience to Uzbekistan,» said Jasur Jumaev, founder and CEO of Uzum.
The company’s 2026 plan includes opening over 1,000 pickup points nationwide and increasing the share of orders delivered via UzPost to 10% of all Uzum Market deliveries.
Jumaev said Uzum intends to invest over $1.5 bn in projects across Uzbekistan over the next three to four years, with the development of logistics infrastructure in partnership with UzPost listed among its top priorities.
