Kazakhstan Pushes Forward Rapid Digital Evolution through AI, Blockchain, and Global Technology Aims
Kazakhstan Accelerates Digital Transformation: A Look at the Recent Developments
Kazakhstan is making significant strides in digital transformation, positioning itself as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and telecommunications in Central Asia.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized that digitalization and AI should be at the core of the country's economic strategy. This strategic focus is evident in the various initiatives undertaken by Kazakhstan.
High-Speed Internet for Rural Villages
By 2026, more than 3,000 rural villages will be connected to high-speed internet, a year ahead of schedule. This move is expected to revolutionize access to digital services for the rural population.
Digitalization of Public Services
Public services are now delivered 20 times faster on average, with 92% of services available online. This digitalization has not only improved efficiency but also withdrawn more than 28 billion tenge from the shadow economy and generated a total economic effect of 51.3 billion tenge.
AI Development and National Strategy
Kazakhstan has approved an AI development concept until 2029 and is preparing a national AI strategy and legal framework. Central to this effort is the launch of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence (Alem.AI) for research and training, and the development of AlemLLM, the largest Kazakh-language AI model, now accessible to startups and universities.
Telecommunications Advancements
Fiber-optic lines have expanded twelvefold in a decade, reaching 71% of settlements. The Astana Hub technology park, which unites over 1,700 participants, generated 1.2 trillion tenge in revenue, including 140 billion in exports. The Solana Economic Zone Kazakhstan, the first in Central Asia, has been launched as a hub for blockchain innovation and international collaboration.
Digital Reforms and Governance
Since 2021, Kazakhstan has implemented large-scale digital reforms aimed at improving governance and reducing corruption. Enrollment in kindergartens and schools is now fully digital, improving efficiency by 46%. The Aitu national messenger has been designated a state digital platform, integrating government services and strengthening cybersecurity.
Healthcare Transformation
Telemedicine has provided 1.5 million services, saving citizens 13 billion tenge. Electronic medical certificates and sick leave have eliminated paper flows and reduced shadow transactions by 7.5 billion tenge.
Cryptocurrency and Energy Modernization
The Cryptocity pilot zone, cross-border digital asset settlements, and a 70/30 program for energy modernization with mining investors have been initiated. These measures aim to foster innovation in the digital economy while promoting sustainable energy practices.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's digital transformation is a comprehensive effort aimed at improving governance, enhancing efficiency, and positioning the country as a leader in digital innovation. President Tokayev's focus on digitalization as a driver of economic growth and his strategic priorities for the country's future development are evident in these initiatives.
