Kazakhstan places bets on computer programming, rather than physical resources
In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is making significant strides in the digital realm. The country, which ranked 24th out of 193 countries in the UN E-Government Development Index in 2024, is transforming itself into a regional innovation hub.
The foundation of this transformation can be traced back to Kazakhstan's telecommunication infrastructure, currently ranked 41st globally. However, ongoing infrastructure upgrades and public-private partnerships are helping to raise standards nationwide.
One of the key drivers of this change is the Digital Kazakhstan program, launched in 2017. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure, public services, and startup development. As a result, high-speed internet has been extended to over 1,200 rural communities, helping to close the digital divide.
The Digital Family Card, an AI-assisted platform that automatically identifies families in need and allocates social support without requiring them to apply, was honoured at the World Government Summit in Dubai. This innovative solution highlights Kazakhstan's commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
Astana Hub, established in 2018, is a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's tech evolution. Hosting over 1,600 companies, including 437 with foreign participation, the hub has attracted more than 700 million US dollars in investment. Astana Hub offers a zero-tax regime, simplified visa processes, and online company registration, creating a frictionless environment for entrepreneurs.
The hub is also home to Alem.AI, an international centre for AI research and start-up incubation. Alem.AI expects to train over 1,000 AI specialists, launch 100 AI start-ups, and support 10 AI research projects. Unicorns like TikTok, Playrix, and inDrive have chosen Astana Hub for regional operations, lured by Kazakhstan's cost competitiveness and strategic location between Europe and Asia.
The partnership between Kazakhstan and the UAE's Presight and Samruk-Kazyna is another significant step in this journey. The collaboration aims to develop a state-of-the-art AI supercomputer and data center cluster.
Kazakhstan's tech evolution is not limited to Astana. The Silkroad Innovation Hub, based in Silicon Valley, is focused on connecting Central Asian talent with global tech networks. The AI-Sana training programme, aimed at educating one million AI-capable workers, and expanded startup support through Astana Hub are creating an environment where skilled professionals increasingly see a future at home as well as abroad.
The government is also working to strengthen data governance frameworks, with a focus on transparency and public trust, in response to plans to open 16 TB of anonymised structured data to businesses. This move is expected to further fuel Kazakhstan's tech growth.
The institution housed in the futuristic Nur Alem Pavilion from Expo 2017 in Astana, aimed at advancing AI research and start-up incubation, is the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) or related innovation centers within the Expo Business Center. The Nur Alem Pavilion is known as Kazakhstan’s iconic science and innovation museum from Expo 2017.
More than 93% of public services in Kazakhstan are now accessible online, and 86% of them via smartphone. The Neo Nomad Visa, a special residency scheme designed to attract skilled digital professionals, remote workers, and entrepreneurs, showcases Kazakhstan's intent to position itself as a regional innovation hub.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's tech evolution is a testament to the country's commitment to embracing the digital future. With its focus on infrastructure development, AI research, and startup incubation, Kazakhstan is rapidly becoming Central Asia's answer to Singapore or Dubai.
