IFC Backs Kyrgyz Retail Expansion with $50 Million Loan

The capital will fund the construction of the country’s first centralized A-class distribution center, a move intended to streamline food storage and delivery. Umai Group, which currently manages 172 stores, intends to nearly double its retail presence. Company Chairman Rud Pedersen noted that the investment validates the group’s governance standards and provides the necessary foundation to extend modern grocery access to communities outside major urban hubs.

Beyond physical expansion, the project targets systemic improvements in the national food supply chain. Lukas Casey, IFC Regional Manager for Central Asia and Türkiye, highlighted that improved logistics help reduce post-harvest food losses and create stable market channels for local farmers. The initiative is projected to generate over 22,000 jobs across the retail, agriculture, and logistics sectors.

To ensure long-term viability, the IFC will provide advisory support to enhance energy efficiency and corporate governance. Umai Group will also pursue EDGE certification for its facilities, aiming to meet international resource-efficiency standards. By bridging the gap between small-scale agricultural producers and modern retail networks, the partnership seeks to stabilize rural incomes and improve food affordability nationwide.