Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev, at the invitation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), joined the founding members of the AI for Good Global Commission, a new high-level global commission that brings together world leaders to develop practical approaches to the advancement of artificial intelligence.
Established under the auspices of the ITU, the Commission includes more than 40 leaders from governments, international organizations, and the world's leading technology companies. It is co-chaired by President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Founder and CEO of Salesforce Marc Benioff, the Vice-Chair is ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
The Commission also includes President of Estonia Alar Karis, President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO of Microsoft Brad Smith, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA Jensen Huang, CEO of Amazon Andy Jassy, CEO of Google Research & Society James Manyika, CEO of Qualcomm Cristiano Amon, CEO of Accenture Julie Sweet, CEO of Anthropic Jack Clark, CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla, CEO of the WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and other world leaders.
On 8 July, the first meeting of the Commission was held in Geneva as part of the AI for Good Global Summit. During the meeting, participants discussed the key areas of international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, the development of trustworthy AI, reducing the digital divide, and expanding access to modern technologies.
Kazakhstan's participation in the Commission confirms the country's growing role in shaping the international agenda in the field of artificial intelligence. The Commission will serve as a platform for developing practical solutions for the advancement of trustworthy artificial intelligence, reducing the digital divide, and expanding countries' access to modern technologies.
Zhaslan Madiyev's inclusion in the AI for Good Global Commission is a recognition of Kazakhstan's contribution to the development of international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The Head of State has signed the Decree “On Measures to Stimulate and Develop the Digital Assets Industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” aimed at establishing a modern and transparent ecosystem for digital financial services in the country.
The document, developed by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and the National Bank in cooperation with relevant government agencies and the Astana International Financial Centre, lays the foundation for the systematic development of a regulated digital assets market, broader adoption of innovative financial technologies, and increased investment attractiveness of the sector.
One of the Decree’s key directions is the modernization of the payment infrastructure. In particular, it provides for the development of mechanisms enabling the use of digital assets and stablecoins for cross-border settlements, opening additional channels for Kazakhstan’s businesses to conduct export and import operations.
At the same time, the Decree introduces measures to encourage the transition of crypto-asset transactions into a regulated legal framework. Among the planned initiatives are the creation of conditions for the voluntary disclosure of digital assets previously held on foreign unregulated platforms, followed by their transfer to licensed domestic service providers. In addition, tax incentives for individuals are envisaged: income derived from transactions involving digital assets conducted through Kazakhstan’s regulated infrastructure is planned to be exempt from individual income tax.
The Decree also places special emphasis on the efficient use of energy resources. It introduces a mechanism allowing associated petroleum gas and natural gas produced at oil and gas fields to be used for autonomous electricity generation, with such electricity potentially allocated to digital mining operations where these resources are not required to meet state needs. This measure is intended to stimulate regional investment and promote more efficient energy consumption.
In addition, the Decree sets the direction for the development of tokenized financial instruments and the national trading infrastructure, which will expand the range of available investment products. The implementation of these initiatives will be formalized in a special action plan defining the timelines and responsible implementing authorities.
As noted by the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhaslan Madiyev, the signing of the document marks a new stage for the digital industry:
“The Head of State has set us a clear task: to create the most favorable conditions for the development of the country’s technological potential, and this Decree is the strategic foundation for Kazakhstan’s transition to a new-generation digital economy. By introducing new instruments, we are shaping the rules of the game in which technological boldness goes hand in hand with institutional reliability. Today, we are creating an environment where digital assets become as familiar and secure as traditional financial instruments. Our goal is to make Kazakhstan a point of attraction for global capital and expertise while ensuring maximum transparency and protection for every participant in this market.”
According to Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Gizzat Baitursynov, these measures create predictable conditions for all participants in the industry - from miners to financial institutions - thereby strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a regional center for digital financial solutions. It is expected that the comprehensive implementation of the Decree will expand opportunities for businesses and investors while ensuring strict adherence to the principles of protecting citizens’ interests and maintaining the security of the financial system.
During the 38th Plenary Session of the Foreign Investors' Council under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Citi, and Freedom Holding Corp. to jointly develop a large-scale AI cluster.
Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized that Kazakhstan is transitioning to a new type of economy:
"By advancing cutting-edge technologies, we are building the foundation for Kazakhstan's digital sovereignty. Our strategic framework - from the Law on Artificial Intelligence to the Digital Qazaqstan Strategy through 2029 - defines our path toward a data-driven economy. By combining our capabilities with the expertise of global leaders such as Citi, we are introducing the most advanced approaches to financing and risk management. Together, we are creating an environment where high-performance computing and artificial intelligence become accessible resources for every Kazakhstani innovator, researcher, and business. Kazakhstan is becoming a country where the technologies of the future - from tokenized assets to world-class computing clusters - operate transparently, securely, and for the benefit of all citizens, setting new standards for quality of life."
Speaking on behalf of Citi, Global Head of Public Sector Stephanie von Friedeburg highlighted the long-term importance of the initiative:
"This Memorandum reflects our shared commitment to supporting Kazakhstan's ambitious digital transformation agenda and the development of advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure. Through this partnership, we aim to explore innovative financing approaches that can support the creation of a world-class AI cluster and computing capacity capable of serving government institutions, businesses, and researchers. We are ready to leverage our global expertise and access to international capital markets to strengthen Kazakhstan's position."
Freedom Holding Corp. Chief Executive Officer Timur Turlov also reaffirmed the company's commitment to implementing the initiative:
"Today's event represents the practical implementation of the large-scale policy pursued by the President of our country in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence. The course toward technological sovereignty and transforming Kazakhstan into a digital nation has been set at the highest level, and the memorandum we are signing today is a concrete step in that direction. Freedom Holding Corp. has substantial experience working with leading global technology companies, including NVIDIA and OpenAI, and we intend to apply this expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the project."
The key objective of the partnership is to establish an artificial intelligence cluster powered by advanced GPU technologies, along with the construction of a state-of-the-art data center that will serve as a computing hub for the public sector, scientific research, and businesses.
In addition, the agreement provides for the development of a digital assets ecosystem, further strengthening Kazakhstan's position in the global financial system.
The parties also expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in digital banking and cross-border payments through the implementation of blockchain-based solutions that will make financial services more accessible, efficient, and transparent for all market participants.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, is implementing a mechanism to attract private investment for the modernization and expansion of Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure under the «70/30» model.
The legal framework for implementing this mechanism has been established through the adoption of the Law on the Development of the Telecommunications Market and Data Centers. The Law designates data centers as strategic facilities and establishes the conditions necessary to attract private investment for the modernization and expansion of power generation capacity, with the participation of data center operators and digital miners as long-term consumers of electricity.
In the context of the Year of Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State, the growing demand for high-quality computing capacity and a reliable energy base has become a national priority. The proposed approach is aimed at accelerating the commissioning of new generating capacity without placing an additional burden on the state budget and without incorporating investment costs into electricity tariffs for the population.
The mechanism provides that, during the modernization, reconstruction, or expansion of existing power plants, up to 70% of the newly added generating capacity may be sold directly to major electricity consumers, including data centers and digital miners. The remaining 30% of the new generating capacity will be supplied to the Unified Power System of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to strengthen the country’s energy security and meet the growing demand for electricity.
The implementation of this approach will attract private capital for the development of energy infrastructure, ensure the modernization of existing power generation facilities, enhance the reliability of electricity supply, and create additional opportunities for the development of high-tech sectors of the economy.
«The 70/30 model is an investment solution and the foundation of our digital economy’s energy independence. To fully develop artificial intelligence and build competitive data centers, we must ensure the accelerated development of power generation capacity. This mechanism will enable us to attract private capital for infrastructure modernization without placing additional pressure on electricity tariffs for citizens, while providing a strong impetus for achieving the objectives of the Digital Qazaqstan Strategy,» said Gizzat Baitursynov, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
The mechanism has already attracted interest from international investors. At present, an interested investor is considering the implementation of a project to construct a new power plant in the city of Ekibastuz under the 70/30 model.
The project provides for the phased commissioning of new generating capacity, the development of modern energy infrastructure, and the implementation of measures aimed at improving the reliability of the city’s heat supply.
The technical assessment has confirmed the feasibility of implementing the project. At the same time, organizational, technical, and investment-related aspects of the project continue to be refined in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.
The introduction of the 70/30 model will constitute an important step in the development of Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure. It will facilitate additional investment in the energy sector, create new generating capacity, and ensure a balanced approach to meeting the needs of the digital economy while strengthening the country’s energy system.
Washington, D.C., June 25, 2026.
Kazakhstan has officially joined the international Pax Silica initiative, becoming the first country from the region to do so. The Declaration of Accession of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pax Silica, as well as the joint statement on the AI Opportunity Partnership, were signed on behalf of Kazakhstan by Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The signing ceremony was held at the Donald Trump World Peace Institute, with the support of the US Department of State.
The signing of these documents officially brings Kazakhstan into the international technology alliance comprising 15 countries: Australia, Finland, Greece, India, Israel, Japan, Norway, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom.
Pax Silica is an international technology cooperation initiative aimed at developing trusted supply chains for the new AI economy. It brings together partner countries around artificial intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, data centers, energy infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, research, and talent development.
Kazakhstan’s participation in Pax Silica is aligned with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s agenda to build a digital nation and accelerate the development of artificial intelligence as one of the key drivers of modernization in the economy, public administration, science, education, and industry.
For Kazakhstan, joining Pax Silica opens new opportunities to attract investment, expand technology partnerships, develop high-tech manufacturing, and strengthen the country’s role in global supply chains.
Kazakhstan brings a number of strategic advantages to the initiative: significant potential in critical minerals, energy resources, a favorable geographic location between Europe and Asia, developing digital infrastructure, a growing IT ecosystem, and a clear national course toward the development of artificial intelligence.
One of the key areas of cooperation may be the processing of critical minerals and the development of high value-added manufacturing. Kazakhstan aims to move beyond the export of raw materials and develop more advanced links in the technology value chain, including components for batteries, semiconductors, energy storage systems, AI infrastructure, and other high-tech solutions.
Participation in Pax Silica may also create additional opportunities for financing infrastructure and technology projects.
“Today, a new AI economy is taking shape, in which artificial intelligence is becoming not only a digital technology but also the foundation of a new industrial system. Behind every AI solution are energy, critical minerals, computing capacity, data centers, semiconductors, engineering talent, and secure supply chains.
Under the instructions of the Head of State, Kazakhstan is consistently building a digital nation where artificial intelligence should become a practical tool for the development of the economy, public administration, science, education, and industry. Our goal is not simply to introduce individual technologies, but to build a full-fledged ecosystem of the new AI economy.
Kazakhstan has significant potential to take a strong position in this system. We aim to move beyond the role of a raw materials supplier and create greater technological value added within the country: to develop the processing of critical minerals, localize high-tech manufacturing, build data centers, participate in R&D platforms, train engineering and AI talent, and expand exports of technology solutions.
Joining Pax Silica and signing the AI Opportunity Partnership open a new framework for cooperation with the United States and other partners. These are opportunities for investment, technology transfer, innovation-friendly regulation, access to partner markets, and strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a reliable technology node in the global supply chains of the new AI economy,” said Zhaslan Madiyev.
The joint statement on the AI Opportunity Partnership identifies three main areas of cooperation.
The first is support for an innovation-friendly regulatory environment that promotes the development of artificial intelligence, startups, developers, and cloud platforms.
The second is the expansion of cooperation in AI, research and development, energy and computing infrastructure, critical minerals, talent development, and the joint promotion of AI technologies.
The third is the mobilization of the private sector, including venture investment, R&D partnerships, next-generation data centers, access to computing resources, and trusted AI models.
The initiative may also contribute to human capital development through joint educational and research programs with leading global universities. Such programs may cover computational materials science, the application of AI in mining and raw materials processing, data security, data center engineering, industrial AI, and high-tech manufacturing.
Kazakhstan’s accession to Pax Silica is part of the broader effort to implement the President’s instructions in the field of digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Kazakhstan is consistently moving toward the model of a digital nation where technology becomes the foundation for economic growth, high-quality public governance, industrial development, science, and human capital.
Kazakhstan has joined the Joint Statement on the AI Opportunity Partnership, an initiative aimed at advancing trusted international cooperation in artificial intelligence, technological progress, and economic security.
The document was signed in Washington, D.C., behalf of the Republic of Kazakhstan by Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The AI Opportunity Partnership sets out a shared approach among partner countries to the development of artificial intelligence. It focuses on pro-innovation regulation, support for entrepreneurs and startups, the advancement of R&D, the mobilization of private investment, expanded access to compute infrastructure, and the development of secure and trusted AI ecosystems.
A central focus of the document is the physical foundation of artificial intelligence, including critical minerals, energy, data centers, compute capacity, semiconductors, engineering talent, and resilient supply chains.
Brussels, June 22, 2026
During the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, a number of strategic agreements were signed aimed at the development of artificial intelligence, science, digital infrastructure and space technologies. The agreements reached open up new opportunities for attracting investments, implementing joint research projects, introducing advanced technologies and strengthening Kazakhstan's position as one of the leading technological centers in Eurasia.
On the part of Kazakhstan, the signing ceremonies were attended by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Jaslan Madiyev and Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek.
During the visit, cooperation agreements were signed with Ghent University and KU Leuven, the leading scientific and educational centers in Europe. The documents provide for joint research, the creation of international research teams, academic mobility, training of specialists and the implementation of technological projects within the framework of Kazakhstan's cooperation with the European Union and the Horizon Europe program.
For Kazakhstan, Horizon Europe is an important mechanism for integration into the European Research Space, expanding the participation of domestic scientists in international consortia and the implementation of joint scientific and innovative projects. The new agreements create a practical basis for the preparation of joint applications, the launch of research programs, the formation of international laboratories and the introduction of scientific developments into the economy.
The signed agreements also create the basis for the development of the AI for Science and Innovation agenda - the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific research, simulate complex processes, develop new materials and technologies, analyze data and create innovative solutions for industry and the economy.
ALEM.AI will become the central platform for the implementation of this agenda in Kazakhstan, bringing together the capabilities of artificial intelligence, science, universities, research centers, startups and industrial partners. The platform is considered as an entry point for international partners to Kazakhstan's AI for Science and Innovation ecosystem and a tool for launching joint projects within Horizon Europe.
Cooperation with Ghent University will focus on research in the fields of mathematical modeling, scientific computing, digital twins and artificial intelligence. The partnership with KU Leuven will expand cooperation in the fields of sustainable materials, critical metals, engineering training, technology commercialization and the introduction of scientific developments into industry.
The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), which has extensive experience in forming international research consortia and supporting scientific and technological projects, will also be involved in the implementation of joint initiatives.
The parties discussed global trends in the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure, modern approaches to financing digital projects, as well as prospects for the implementation of large-scale initiatives in the field of data centers and high-performance computing in Kazakhstan. Among the areas under discussion are the further development of the Kazakhstan Data Center Valley project and the creation of conditions for attracting international investment in a new generation of AI infrastructure.
The practical application of space technologies and satellite data was also included in the package of new agreements signed during the state visit.
During the visit, an agreement on joint activities was signed between JSC "National Company Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary" and the Luxembourg company Hydrosat S.a.r.l., specializing in satellite analytics in the field of water resources management and agriculture.
The document provides for the implementation of the pilot project "Water Resources Management in Kazakhstan using Copernicus and Hydrosat", aimed at obtaining verified data and analytics to improve the efficiency of water use, irrigation management and assessment of water use.
The project will combine analytical solutions and Hydrosat satellite technologies, including satellite and ground data processing models, calculations of evapotranspiration, soil moisture and crop conditions, with the infrastructural and operational capabilities of NC Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary JSC for field work, equipment operation and interaction with land users in the pilot territories of Zhambyl region.
The agreement provides for further scaling of the project results in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian states, as well as the possibility of creating a specialized project company to implement joint initiatives at the intergovernmental level.
During meetings with the leadership of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) and the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), the parties discussed opportunities for joint talent development, collaborative research projects, the advancement of national large language models, and Kazakhstan’s integration into leading European scientific and technological initiatives.
The agreements reached will contribute to the development of Kazakhstan’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, strengthen international scientific cooperation, and support the adoption of advanced technologies across the economy, education system, and public administration.
The agreements signed in Brussels create new opportunities for international scientific cooperation, attracting investments, developing digital infrastructure and introducing advanced technologies into key sectors of the economy. New partnerships with European universities, investment platforms, and technology companies strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a country consistently shaping a modern ecosystem of artificial intelligence, science, and innovation.
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with NVIDIA Vice President Rev Lebaredian and Firebird co-founders Razmig Hovaghimian, Chief Executive Officer, and Alexander Yesayan. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC Kazakhtelecom Bagdat Mussin, and U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stufft.
U.S.-based Firebird specializes in AI infrastructure, data center development, and high-performance computing systems. The company delivers projects across multiple regions worldwide and collaborates with leading technology partners, including NVIDIA, the global leader in artificial intelligence, accelerated computing, and digital infrastructure. NVIDIA technologies power many of the world's leading supercomputers and data centers and serve as the foundation for a significant share of today's generative AI models.
The meeting focused on the development of Kazakhstan’s national AI infrastructure, including the deployment of high-performance computing capacity, construction of advanced data centers, and attraction of international technology partners.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure development are among Kazakhstan’s highest national priorities.
“By the decision of the Head of State, 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. This week, Kazakhstan adopted the National Strategy for Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Development, ‘Digital Qazaqstan’. One of the flagship projects currently being implemented is the Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz. Our goal is to create a platform capable of hosting global digital infrastructure. We highly value the agreements reached with our partners at Firebird and NVIDIA,” said Olzhas Bektenov.
The Prime Minister highlighted the key advantages of the Data Center Valley project, including a large land reserve, investment incentives, and competitive electricity costs. A critical factor for investors is the project’s scalability. While 300 MW of power capacity is already available, the project is designed for phased expansion to 1 GW.
Firebird Co-Founder and CEO Razmig Hovaghimian emphasized Kazakhstan’s strong potential for digital infrastructure development.
“I would like to acknowledge the President’s vision in declaring 2026 the Year of AI. When we first visited Kazakhstan, it quickly became clear to us that the country’s ambition, expertise, and talent are truly world-class. Countries that invest today in advanced AI computing infrastructure, talent development, and innovation ecosystems will shape the economic opportunities of tomorrow. Firebird combines expertise in deploying cutting-edge U.S. technologies, deep partnerships across the global AI ecosystem, and the ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects securely and at exceptional speed. The launch planned for 2027 will place Kazakhstan among the world’s top ten countries in AI infrastructure. We have an incredible team, extraordinary opportunities ahead, and we are excited to work with the Government of Kazakhstan, NVIDIA, and our partners in the United States to help turn Kazakhstan’s vision into reality,” said Razmig Hovaghimian.
NVIDIA Vice President Rev Lebaredian presented key technological approaches and solutions for the implementation of the Data Center Valley project, as well as Kazakhstan’s integration into the global AI ecosystem.
“To develop artificial intelligence, we need what we call a five-layer cake. The most important layer is the application layer. This is where we take all the technologies from the lower layers and transform them into solutions for different industries and sectors, creating real value and tangible benefits. But everything begins with energy. If you do not have energy, you cannot build the rest. It is the foundation. Kazakhstan has energy. Because the country has it in abundance and can generate even more, it is an excellent place to start. In fact, Kazakhstan has the potential to participate at every level of this five-layer cake. Based on what I have seen, what I have read, and what I am witnessing during my visit here, the spirit and determination of Kazakhstan are clearly focused on moving forward and leveraging both its natural resources and its human capital to enter the new era of artificial intelligence,” said Rev Lebaredian.
Participants noted that global demand for projects of this nature is growing rapidly. According to international analysts, the global AI market is expected to exceed hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, while demand for computing capacity required to train and operate AI models continues to grow at double-digit rates annually. As a result, countries are increasingly competing not only for technology and talent, but also for the infrastructure that forms the foundation of the next-generation digital economy.
“At the instruction of the Head of State, Kazakhstan is systematically building the national infrastructure required to advance artificial intelligence. The Data Center Valley project is set to become one of the key platforms underpinning the country’s emerging AI token economy.
The planned $10 billion investment will enable Kazakhstan to establish a large-scale computing cluster powered by 100,000 state-of-the-art GPU chips, including NVIDIA GB300 and Vera Rubin. According to our estimates, the project will generate at least $3 billion in annual export revenue, create new high-skilled jobs, attract leading global technology companies, and further strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as one of Eurasia’s key digital hubs,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“Under the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, we are building a world-class data center in Ekibastuz. In essence, Kazakhstan is transforming Ekibastuz coal into digital export revenue. The energy generated from coal is being converted into a high-tech, export-oriented service that will be sold globally to some of the world’s largest companies. This is a joint venture, and our partners at Firebird already have secured service agreements with major global players, which will help generate foreign currency revenues for Kazakhstan,” said Bagdat Mussin, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC Kazakhtelecom.
For Kazakhstan, the development of advanced data centers and computing platforms creates opportunities to attract investment, localize digital services, train engineering talent, and establish new export-oriented technology sectors. The availability of domestic high-performance infrastructure will also support scientific research, startup development, cloud services, and AI solutions within the country.
Following the meeting, agreements on artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure cooperation totaling $10 billion were signed, including:
The agreements provide the foundation for the next phase of the Data Center Valley initiative, which aims to establish a modern technological platform for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and next-generation digital services. The signed agreements reflect growing interest from global technology companies in Kazakhstan as a destination for AI infrastructure investment and strengthen the country’s position as one of the emerging digital hubs of Central Eurasia.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has initiated efforts to establish lasting conditions for the growth of technology entrepreneurship in the country.
As part of its digital economic transformation strategy, the Ministry is developing a post-2028 support framework for Astana Hub participants, with a planning horizon extending to 2045.
The initiative aims to create a predictable and competitive business environment that will strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a leading regional IT hub. The long-term vision for sector development through 2045 takes into account global AI trends, the scalability of export potential, and the need to attract high-technology investment.
Astana Hub has demonstrated its effectiveness as a driver of the digital economy. Accordingly, the Ministry's objective is not merely to sustain existing momentum, but to achieve a qualitative leap - building conditions under which every IT company operating in Kazakhstan can plan with decades-long confidence.
To date, the Astana Hub ecosystem has recorded steady growth: 2,268 companies are registered within the hub, 35,000 highly skilled jobs have been created, 438 billion tenge in investment has been attracted, and the export volume of Kazakhstani IT solutions has reached USD 1.9 billion.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development is currently conducting systematic analytical and advisory work alongside expert community representatives and relevant government agencies, focused on reviewing and adapting existing support mechanisms. Priority is placed on cultivating a distinctive environment for innovators, developing human capital, and advancing AI-driven solutions.
The development of a long-term strategy for Astana Hub represents a priority direction of state policy, aimed at positioning Kazakhstan among the world's most attractive jurisdictions for technology business.
The Republic of Kazakhstan has officially been granted observer status in the Committee of the Council of Europe Convention 108 on the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data.
The decision was adopted following the Committee’s 50th plenary session held in Strasbourg, which was attended by Doszhan Mussaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Committee serves as a key international platform shaping global approaches to personal data protection and privacy in the era of digital transformation.
“Obtaining observer status is an important milestone for Kazakhstan. It will enable us to exchange experience with international partners and further strengthen our national personal data protection system based on international best practices,” said Doszhan Mussaliyev.
On the sidelines of the session, the Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development held meetings with Beatrice de Anchorena, Chair of the Convention 108 Committee, and Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the areas of data protection and digital development.
The right to privacy and the protection of personal data is enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development continues to enhance legislative mechanisms and practical tools aimed at ensuring the security of citizens’ data in the digital environment. The newly granted observer status will allow Kazakhstan to actively contribute to discussions on international initiatives, learn from the experience of Convention member states, and integrate modern standards into its national regulatory framework.
Convention 108 of the Council of Europe is the first and only legally binding multilateral international treaty in the field of personal data protection, establishing global privacy standards. The Convention Committee is responsible for updating these standards in the digital age, coordinating international cooperation, and supporting participating countries in adapting their national legislation to address emerging cybersecurity challenges.