Georgia’s IT services exports reached $841.6 million in the first half of 2026, up by 72% year-on-year, according to National Bank of Georgia data. However, iKnow founder Irakli Gogoladze argues that the figures overstate the growth of local IT businesses, as much of the increase comes from international companies routing contracts and financial flows through Georgia to benefit from tax incentives introduced in 2022.
Gogoladze said these practices do not necessarily create new business or increase genuine exports, while the economic benefits for Georgia remain limited. He also warned that the arrival of international companies has negatively affected the local IT labor market.
He called for more detailed statistics that distinguish locally owned IT companies from international firms, telecommunications operators and banks. According to Gogoladze, combining these sectors obscures the actual scale and development of Georgia’s domestic IT industry.
