Kazakhstan Emerging As Central Asia’s Tech Hub – PM Baktenov

From Norshazlina Nor Azman

ASTANA, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Kazakhstan is positioning itself as Central Asia’s emerging tech powerhouse. 

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has unveiled bold initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and startup development, and set a target of US$1 billion in IT exports by 2025.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Digital Bridge 2025 forum in Astana on Saturday, Bektenov emphasised the government’s support for AI and IT specialists and the expansion of digital infrastructure.

He highlighted initiatives such as Alem.ai, a hub for AI research and startup acceleration, and Astana Hub, which provides funding opportunities and global market access for startups to foster innovation and creative industries.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasises the development of AI and Kazakhstan’s full digital transformation within three years, while ensuring citizens receive government support to create breakthrough projects.

“Our citizens have enormous potential to create breakthrough projects. Business, academia, and government all play a key role in this work,” said the prime minister.

Bektenov added that Kazakhstan now ranks 24th globally in e-government and 10th in online public services, a reflection of its progress in digital governance.

He said global tech firms including Playrix, Mytona, and NetCracker have already entered the Kazakh market, signalling strong international confidence and investment.

The prime minister also noted that the newly established Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development will continue strengthening the legal framework and expanding support for AI and IT specialists.

“Presidential initiatives on developing a national educational platform and establishing a research AI university will give a serious boost to training qualified personnel for the future market.

“Digital infrastructure is being expanded, educational centres opened, and AI programmes are running in 20 universities,” he said.

He further noted that about 500,000 citizens are being trained in AI-related skills through programmes such as AI Qyzmet, AI Sana, Tomorrow School, and QazCoders.

Bektenov said the three-day forum, which ended on Saturday, also witnessed the signing of more than 30 memoranda of cooperation.

“Thus, to streamline business issues promptly and remove unnecessary barriers, the Digital Headquarters under the Government is fully operational,” he said.

-- BERNAMA