Future of Kazakhstan’s Digital Economy Discussed in Shymkent
Today, Shymkent is hosting the international digital forum Digital Qazaqstan 2026, which has become a new national platform for the practical digital and AI transformation of the country’s economy.
Digital Qazaqstan is an international event that kicks off a large-scale series of events within the officially declared Year of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. Throughout the year, many more initiatives aimed at deeply integrating technology into citizens’ lives will take place across the country.
This year, the international platform Digital Almaty has transformed into a renewed format focused on regional development and the integration of artificial intelligence into the real economy.
Holding the forum in Shymkent, an important industrial center, underscores Kazakhstan’s strategic course to strengthen the role of regions in technological development and build a sustainable digital ecosystem.
The key theme of the event is the new industrial era – “Industry 5.0: The Power of Interaction” – a concept focusing on the synergy of humans and technology, where artificial intelligence, data, and robotics serve as tools for increasing productivity and sustainable development.
Special attention is paid to maximizing human involvement: the forum aims to demonstrate that digitalization and AI are primarily tools for empowering individuals, developing talents, and creating an inclusive technological environment.
The forum, organized by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry, the Shymkent City Akimat, and the Astana Hub international innovation cluster, has brought together government officials, heads of international corporations, investors, and leading IT experts to forge new technological partnerships. Discussions on the prospects of digital transformation and AI feature Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiev, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. Timur Turlov, and Chairman of the Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC Bagdat Mussin, presenting both governmental and corporate perspectives on digital economy development. The discussion also includes recognized leaders of the venture capital market and IT industry, including founder of MA7 Ventures Murat Abdrakhmanov, CEO of Yandex Qazaqstan Timur Shalekenov, CEO of Women in Tech Kazakhstan Asel Bolatzhan, and international experts, including a developer from Booking.com, Narikbi Maksut. Together, representatives of the government, business, and startup community are creating a unique platform for experience exchange, which will allow scaling the best technological solutions across the entire country.
The program covers key scenarios for implementing AI solutions in industry and public administration, including a dedicated strategic session on involving corporations in venture capital to stimulate labor productivity through venture investment tools.
Digital Qazaqstan 2026 serves as a unified space where Kazakhstan’s regions join a national digital movement, sharing experiences and practical transformation cases. The forum features the national Digital Qazaqstan Awards, aimed at recognizing best practices in implementing AI solutions in industry, public services, and the social sphere.
Interactive zones at the forum showcase technological achievements in robotics and autonomous systems, as well as promising solutions from domestic developers.
It is important to note that the organization of the 2026 forum is fully funded by partner and sponsorship support, without the use of the state budget.
The forum’s General Partner is Freedom Bank, a Kazakhstani digital bank for private and corporate clients, part of Freedom Holding Corp. The bank was the first in Kazakhstan to digitize mortgages, auto and business loans, and issued the country’s first investor card, INVEST CARD.
The Platinum Partner is Alageum Electric, a major Kazakhstani electrical engineering group uniting over 30 enterprises in electric power, mechanical engineering, and infrastructure construction.
The Golden Partner is Kazakhtelecom.
Innovation Partners are WSE and Damumed.
Partner: Visa.