Türkiye’s 2025 budget sets aside $46 billion for investments in technology, digital learning, healthcare, and defense modernization.
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| Türkiye allocates $46 billion for technology and infrastructure in its 2025 budget, focusing on digital transformation and disaster resilience. Image Courtesy: DS |
Ankara, Türkiye --- October 18, 2024:
Türkiye is preparing for a pivotal budget debate as the government revealed its draft budget for 2025, earmarking a substantial $46 billion (TL 1.57 trillion) for key investments in technology, infrastructure, and disaster resilience. The draft budget, which will be presented to Parliament on October 22, outlines a comprehensive plan to modernize the country’s economy, with a clear focus on technological advancements and infrastructure improvements.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized the government’s commitment to driving innovation and improving resilience through a mix of digital infrastructure projects and cutting-edge technology integration. A significant portion of the budget will support digital transformation across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and disaster preparedness. These investments are in line with Türkiye’s long-term goals of becoming a regional tech hub while addressing growing national security concerns and economic challenges.
The tech-forward approach is evident in the government’s investment in the Disaster-Resilient Cities Project, with TL 120 billion allocated to building smart cities that leverage technology to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, particularly after the devastating earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye in early 2023. This initiative reflects the importance of tech-driven solutions in urban planning and safety, incorporating real-time data monitoring and AI systems to bolster disaster response and recovery.
Furthermore, education stands out as a key area where technology is expected to play a transformative role. A total of TL 2.18 trillion has been set aside for the education sector, including higher education, with a significant portion devoted to improving digital learning tools, enhancing online education platforms, and upgrading school infrastructures with modern technology. Yılmaz noted that by 2025, the Education Ministry's budget will have grown exponentially compared to 2002 levels, making education the largest expenditure in the budget, accounting for 14.8% of total spending.
Defense and security spending, set at TL 1.61 trillion, also integrates technology, as Türkiye seeks to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities and develop homegrown defense technologies amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Other key allocations include TL 2.44 trillion for healthcare, with a focus on telemedicine and digital health services, and TL 1.93 trillion for social assistance programs, which incorporate subsidies for energy and smart energy grids.
As Türkiye moves forward, the 2025 budget marks a significant leap toward a tech-enabled future, where strategic investments in digital infrastructure and innovation are expected to drive economic growth and national resilience.