Turkmenistan is taking steps to strengthen its digital economy with a new draft law on electronic commerce, as online and non-cash payments continue to grow across the country.
The draft Law of Turkmenistan “On Electronic Commerce” is currently being prepared alongside amendments to several other pieces of legislation. The initiative is designed to establish clearer rules for digital transactions, strengthen consumer and seller protections, and create a more structured environment for e-commerce.
The legislation is part of Turkmenistan’s broader Digital Economy Development Concept for 2026-2028, which focuses on digital services, e-government and innovative technologies.
According to data from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan cited in the report, around 1,043 retail outlets had been connected to the national e-commerce system through banks by early 2026. That figure increased to approximately 1,075 outlets by April, although around 69% of connected outlets are concentrated in the capital, Ashgabat.
Digital payments have also recorded significant growth. Non-cash payments through the country’s e-commerce system increased by nearly 84% in 2025, reaching approximately 2.63 billion Turkmen manats, compared with 1.44 billion manats a year earlier.
From Digital Payments to Full E-Commerce
The rapid expansion of electronic payments provides a foundation for e-commerce, but payment digitization alone does not constitute a complete digital commerce ecosystem.
For Turkmenistan to develop a more integrated e-commerce market, further progress will be needed in areas including logistics, digital platforms, consumer protection, data management, online marketing and dispute resolution.
The forthcoming legislation could help establish a common legal framework and reduce uncertainty for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand their use of digital commerce.
Another challenge will be extending digital commerce beyond Ashgabat. The concentration of e-commerce infrastructure in the capital indicates that regional connectivity, digital infrastructure and digital literacy will remain important priorities.
A New Stage for Turkmenistan’s Digital Economy
The proposed legislation represents an important step in formalizing an e-commerce sector that is already beginning to grow. Its long-term impact, however, will depend on whether the new rules can encourage wider participation from businesses and consumers and support digital commerce across the country.
As Turkmenistan continues its legislative work, the key question will be whether the country can move beyond the digitization of payments and build a broader, integrated e-commerce ecosystem.
The coming years could therefore mark an important transition for Turkmenistan as it seeks to connect digital payments, regulation, businesses and consumers within a more developed digital economy.
