Kazakhstan’s digital leap: How Central Asia’s tech hub is shaping the future of AI and GovTech
National Strategy Based on Artificial Intelligence
A defining feature of Kazakhstan’s digital agenda is the systematic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in government, business and education. In 2025, the country passed the region’s first Artificial Intelligence Law, which sets rules for algorithm transparency, data protection and risk management in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, education and public administration.
The government has also adopted a national AI development concept that will last until 2029. The strategy focuses on applied artificial intelligence solutions, workforce training, and responsible stewardship of emerging technologies. Under the President’s direction, the Artificial Intelligence Development Council brings together international experts and leading researchers to guide long-term policies and technological priorities.
Kazakhstan is also developing its own large language models, including KazLLM, Sherkala and AlemLLM, which will form the basis of the national generative AI platform known as AlemGPT. These systems are expected to support public services, education and private sector innovation.
Digital State as the Backbone of Innovation
Kazakhstan’s digital transformation began with the modernization of public services. Today, more than 90% of government services are available online, making digital interaction with government the primary channel for citizens.
The national e-government platform eGov.kz serves more than 15 million registered users, while its mobile application has more than 11 million users. In 2025 alone, citizens accessed more than 51.5 million government services online.
Advanced features such as biometric identification, QR-based digital signatures, and AI-powered service search have significantly increased accessibility and efficiency. Digital documents, including passports, driver’s licenses and national IDs, are widely used across the country, further reducing bureaucratic friction. The government is now moving towards an AI-GovTech model where policy decisions and service delivery are increasingly driven by large-scale data analytics through the Smart Data Ukimet system, which integrates dozens of government databases and information systems.
Creating a Regional Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure
Kazakhstan’s technological goals are supported by a strong IT infrastructure. In 2025, the country launched a national supercomputer cluster at the Alem.cloud center; its performance reached nearly 2 exaflops and was among the top 100 systems in the global TOP500 rankings.
This computing power enables training large language models, complex scientific simulations, and advanced analytics for government and industry. Additional data centers and cloud platforms are being developed to support national digital platforms, fintech services and private sector innovation.
Expansion of Telecommunications and Digital Connectivity
Digital transformation requires reliable connectivity. Kazakhstan has significantly expanded its broadband and mobile infrastructure across its vast territory. By 2025, nearly 95% of the population had internet access, while thousands of rural communities were connected via 4G networks and satellite internet solutions.
The rollout of 5G networks is accelerating, with thousands of base stations being deployed in major cities. Kazakhstan also became the first country in Central Asia to officially use satellite internet services such as Starlink and OneWeb, helping to bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas.
The Trans-Caspian fiber optic network and national data highways are also under development, strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a digital transit corridor between Europe and Asia.
Rapidly Growing Startup Ecosystem
Beyond public infrastructure, Kazakhstan nurtures an export-oriented IT economy. Astana Hub technology park has become the center of the national startup ecosystem, hosting approximately 1,900 technology companies, hundreds of which have international participation.
Startups receive tax incentives, simplified visa regimes and venture financing, as well as access to international accelerator programmes. These policies have helped local companies grow globally, with Kazakhstan’s IT services exports reaching nearly $1 billion annually.
The AI company Higgsfield.ai, the region’s first technology “unicorn” in 2025, was celebrated and the increasing maturity of the startup ecosystem was highlighted.
Investing in Digital Talent
Recognizing that talent is the foundation of technological progress, Kazakhstan has launched educational initiatives focusing on artificial intelligence and digital skills across the country. The government aims to train one million people in AI qualifications within five years, and more than half of this target has already been achieved through university programmes, vocational courses and online learning platforms.
Programs such as AI Sana, Tech Orda and Tomorrow School are designed to develop practical programming and data science skills, while international AI hub alem.ai hosts research labs, startup accelerators and training programs for young innovators.
Global Technology Partnership Opportunities
Kazakhstan’s digital ambitions are becoming increasingly global. The country has signed major cooperation agreements with international technology leaders such as OpenAI, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Cisco and Oracle. These partnerships aim to strengthen artificial intelligence research, cybersecurity capabilities and cloud infrastructure.
For countries like India, one of the world’s leading digital economies, Kazakhstan’s transformation offers opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence development, fintech innovation, digital governance and startup investment. Joint expertise between the two countries can contribute to the construction of new technology corridors connecting South Asia to Central Asia.
Model for Emerging Digital Economies
Kazakhstan’s experience shows how coordinated government policy, strong digital infrastructure and international cooperation can accelerate technological transformation.
By integrating artificial intelligence into public administration, developing advanced computing infrastructure, and nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem, the country has created a comprehensive digital model rarely seen in emerging economies.
As the global digital landscape continues to evolve, Kazakhstan is steadily positioning itself not only as an adopter of technology, but also as a creator of new digital solutions for the region and beyond.
