Kazakhstan has signed a $10 billion agreement with Firebird AI to develop AI infrastructure, part of a national push to become a fully digital country by 2029. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced the deal during a meeting of the Council for Improving the Investment Climate, where government officials and foreign investors discussed new digital laws and the country's revised constitution.
The meeting, chaired by Bektenov, focused on investment opportunities in digitalization and artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister said the country's new constitution, adopted by referendum, now enshrines citizens' digital rights and forms the foundation for large-scale economic reforms. He added that 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and AI by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
New legal framework for digital transformation
Kazakhstan has approved a suite of digital legislation, including the Digital Code, the Law "On Artificial Intelligence," and the Law "On Cybersecurity." The government is also rolling out regulatory mechanisms for cross-border data exchange, such as the Cloud First Policy and the Data Embassy concept. These measures sit under the 2029 Digital Qazaqstan National Strategy.
Bektenov stressed that digital transformation and AI are central to sustainable economic growth and public administration efficiency. "The Kazakh President set the task of building a fully digital country. Digital transformation and the development of AI are important elements of sustainable economic growth, improving the efficiency of public administration, and the quality of life of citizens," he said.
$10 billion AI infrastructure project
The Firebird AI agreement is part of the Data Center Valley flagship project. A Digital Headquarters has been established under the government to coordinate these efforts. The Prime Minister said the government is open to constructive dialogue with investors on digital regulation, user security, and creating predictable conditions for long-term partnerships.
US Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stafft highlighted the importance of open dialogue between government and business on cloud technology, personal data processing, and cross-border data transfers. Representatives from Apple, Siemens, Honeywell, and Baker McKenzie raised practical concerns around the Digital Code's implementation, online platform regulation, public cloud solutions, and cybersecurity.
Foreign investors weigh in on regulation
Executives asked for clarity on how the new digital laws will apply to industrial process digitalization and regulatory efficiency. The government instructed responsible agencies to study the proposals and incorporate feedback into their work. Bektenov reiterated that Kazakhstan remains predictable for long-term investment and intends to deepen digital transformation across the economy.
Why this matters for IT and Development
The $10 billion AI infrastructure deal and the new digital regulatory framework signal a sharp increase in demand for data center engineers, AI developers, cybersecurity specialists, and cloud architects. For IT professionals, the rapid scaling of AI infrastructure in Kazakhstan highlights the growing need for specialized skills in AI for IT & Development. The Digital Code and AI law will require technical talent to implement compliant systems, audit algorithms, and manage cross-border data flows - creating opportunities for practitioners who understand both the technology and the regulatory landscape.
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