Overview
On September 8, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address, “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Key Tasks and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation.” The President outlined an ambitious reform agenda centered on digitalization, economic modernization, and institutional change to secure Kazakhstan’s long-term resilience.
Among the headline initiatives, he announced the creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, proposed renaming the Illegal Asset Recovery Committee into a Committee for the Protection of Investors’ Rights, and called for the adoption of a new Banking Law by the end of the year. He also ordered a fundamental renewal of the investment attraction system and directed the establishment of a State Digital Asset Fund.
To improve the business environment, Tokayev instructed the introduction of a Regional Investment Attractiveness Index, while on political reform he proposed transitioning to a unicameral Parliament through a nationwide referendum in 2027.
He also emphasized the need to ensure fair wages for skilled workers, transform Kazakhstan into the leading aviation hub in Eurasia, and pursue public sector reform to reduce the state’s footprint in the economy.