Kazakhstan Speeds Up Digital Progress through AI, Blockchain, and Global Tech Goals
Kazakhstan is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey, with the approval of an AI development concept until 2029 and the preparation of a national AI strategy and legal framework. This ambitious plan is spearheaded by the newly established Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, led by a Deputy Prime Minister-level specialist.
The country's digital infrastructure has seen a remarkable expansion over the past decade. Fiber-optic lines have expanded twelvefold, reaching 71% of settlements, and internet access now covers 93% of the population, with 98% of the country enjoying mobile coverage. These improvements have paved the way for the implementation of large-scale digital reforms aimed at improving governance and reducing corruption since 2021.
One of the most notable achievements is the digitisation of enrolment in kindergartens and schools, which has improved efficiency by 46%. Transfers between schools now take one day instead of five, while college and university applications have been streamlined. The digitisation of public services has also accelerated, with services being delivered 20 times faster on average.
Kazakhstan's digital transformation has also made significant inroads in the healthcare sector. Electronic medical certificates and sick leave have eliminated paper flows and reduced shadow transactions by 7.5 billion tenge (US$13.9 million). Telemedicine has provided 1.5 million services, saving citizens 13 billion tenge (US$24.1 million).
The Solana Economic Zone Kazakhstan, the first in Central Asia, has been launched as a hub for blockchain innovation and international collaboration. The zone focuses on building a blockchain-based economy, with the Cryptocity pilot zone being another initiative in this direction.
The International Center for Artificial Intelligence (Alem.AI) has been launched for research and training, while AlemLLM, the largest Kazakh-language AI model, is now accessible to startups and universities. Alem.cloud, Central Asia's first supercomputer cluster, has been opened, enabling businesses and researchers to develop advanced AI solutions.
Automatic teacher qualification upgrades have cut processing time from months to weeks, and the Aitu national messenger has been designated a state digital platform, integrating government services and strengthening cybersecurity.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised digitalization and AI as the core of the country's economic strategy in his 2024 state-of-the-nation address. These reforms have already withdrawn more than 28 billion tenge (US$51.9 million) from the shadow economy, saved over 13 billion tenge (US$24.1 million) in budget funds, and generated a total economic effect of 51.3 billion tenge (US$95.1 million).
By 2026, more than 3,000 rural villages will be connected to high-speed internet, with satellite coverage extended by 2027. The government and regional leaders have been tasked with strengthening existing achievements and expanding the use of AI technologies, particularly in the e-government system.
These digital transformations have propelled Kazakhstan to 24th globally in digitalization and among the top ten countries in the online services index. The country's IT sector continues to expand, with more than 18,000 companies now operating, reflecting 16% growth in three years. The Astana Hub technology park plays a central role, uniting over 1,700 participants. Its residents generated 1.2 trillion tenge (US$2.2 billion) in revenue, including 140 billion (US$259.6 million) in exports.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's digital transformation journey is well underway, with significant achievements made in various sectors. The country's focus on AI development, digital infrastructure expansion, and e-government services is expected to continue, further propelling Kazakhstan into the digital age.
