Kazakhstan and Africa Open New Horizons of Partnership at Astana International Forum

Astana, May 30, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov took part in the panel session “Kazakhstan and Africa: New Frontiers of Cooperation” during the Astana International Forum. The session focused on exploring prospects for trade and economic cooperation, industrial collaboration, technology exchange, and sustainable development between Central Asia and African countries.

The session was moderated by Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and former Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Among the speakers were Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Denis Christel Sassou N’Guesso, Republic of the Congo’s Minister of International Cooperation; Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the traditional ruler of Ife, Nigeria; Paramount Group founder Ivor Ichikowitz, and Alomra Group International President Driss Benomar.

In his remarks, Kuantyrov emphasized that Africa is not just a developing region for Kazakhstan, but a strategic partner with whom long-term, mutually beneficial relations can be built. He noted that in 2024, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and African countries grew by 15% and reached 783 million US dollars, with rising interest in bilateral investment, particularly in agriculture, logistics, digital technologies, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing, including mechanical engineering.

Particular attention was given to a project by the Egyptian company EIPICO, which is investing 33 million US dollars in the construction of a full-cycle pharmaceutical plant in Kazakhstan. According to him, this is a clear example of how African companies view Kazakhstan – not as a distant market, but as a platform for high-tech, long-term investment.

“Kazakhstan approaches its dialogue with Africa not from a donor perspective, but as an equal partner. We are ready to trade, co-invest, and share experience in green energy, digital governance, agri-processing, and logistics. Today, as Africa becomes a center of global growth, we believe the time is right to build deep, multidimensional partnerships based on mutual respect, pragmatism, and sustainable development,” stated Kuantyrov.

The session also explored concrete areas for cooperation – from supplying halal and organic products to African markets to jointly creating agri-processing clusters. Deputy Minister Kuantyrov noted that Kazakhstan is one of the world’s largest flour exporters and is ready to be a reliable partner in ensuring food security across the African continent.

Special emphasis was placed on potential in the fields of digitalization and innovation. Kazakhstan proposed collaboration in telecommunications infrastructure, smart city solutions, and satellite technologies.

The session concluded with a discussion on the importance of building bridges between Africa and Central Asia, enhancing B2B cooperation, and utilizing platforms such as Astana Hub, KazAID, and the Islamic Organization for Food Security.