Kazakhstan is accelerating its shift toward an AI-powered digital economy, with most public services online and a fast-growing startup ecosystem.
In this interview, Zhaslan Madiyev outlines how artificial intelligence, smart cities and digital infrastructure are shaping the country’s next growth phase, while partnerships with the United Arab Emirates strengthen Kazakhstan’s ambition to emerge as a leading Eurasian tech hub.
Read more: How Kazakhstan positions AI and digital governance as the next engine of growth
Tokayev is committed to making Kazakhstan “fully digital within the next three years,” but what exactly does that mean, and are the government and people of Kazakhstan ready?
Artificial Intelligence is en vogue in Kazakhstan. This year, 2026, has been named the Year of Development of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in the Central Asian nation. Moreover, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev repeated what he had said in a recent interview with the newspaper Turkistan that he plans to turn Kazakhstan into a digital country within three years. The implications of these ambitions, while perhaps admirable, are vaguely stated; therefore, further analysis is required to evaluate the extent to which artificial intelligence and technological advances are critical to Astana’s policymaking, as well as the factors that either aid or obstruct these objectives.
Read more: The Feasibility of Kazakhstan’s Digitalization Ambitions
The Taldykorgan City Administration (akimat), Kazakh telecommunications company ASTEL, and French Internet of Things (IoT) solutions developer Actility have signed a memorandum of cooperation to implement a Smart City project in the town of Taldykorgan.
The initiative, based on LoRaWAN technology, will establish a comprehensive urban monitoring system aimed at improving city management and residents’ quality of life.
Read more: Kazakhstan Launches Smart City Project in Taldykorgan
The Smart City project in Astana is becoming one of the key directions of the country’s digital transformation. It integrates the automation of municipal services, the development of transport infrastructure, increased energy efficiency, enhanced public safety, and environmental monitoring, El.kz reports.
Digitalization and security
The project includes the expansion of video surveillance systems using AI technologies. Authorities emphasize the importance of transparent and lawful use of data. The issue of personal data protection is actively discussed among residents, and the city administration notes that digital solutions will be implemented strictly within the legal framework.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction, the state fund Alatau City Authority, and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the Alatau Smart City project, Trend reports via the Kazakh government.
The document was finalized following a meeting in Astana between Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev and KIND President and CEO Bokhwan Kim.
Read more: KZ: South Korea's corporation to assist Kazakhstan with Alatau Smart City project