Kazakhstan Sets Sights on AI-Driven Growth as President Tokayev Demands Urgent Action

President Tokayev Urges Kazakhstan to Prioritize AI as a National Development Driver

On August 11, 2025, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for accelerated efforts to integrate artificial intelligence across all sectors, highlighting AI as a strategic priority for the country's economic growth and independence.

The meeting included key government leaders such as Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and the Head of the Presidential Administration Aibek Dadebay. The discussion focused on Kazakhstan's current AI progress and the need for a comprehensive national strategy.

AI’s Critical Role in Economic Competitiveness

President Tokayev stressed that without advancing AI, Kazakhstan risks falling behind in the global market. He referenced UNCTAD forecasts predicting the AI market to hit $4.8 trillion by 2033, with AI’s share in tech rising from 7% to 29%. Despite some progress, the current pace is inadequate.

He emphasized that AI must become a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s economic modernization and national sovereignty.

Learning from Global AI Strategies

Tokayev pointed to international examples such as the United States’ AI Action Plan and China’s initiative to create a global AI cooperation organization. He urged Kazakh experts to study these models and support Kazakhstan’s participation in the preparatory work for a multilateral AI body.

The goal is clear: position Kazakhstan as a digital hub in Eurasia through a unified national digital ecosystem. However, the President expressed dissatisfaction with the slow development of infrastructure, legal frameworks, and AI deployment mechanisms so far.

A Comprehensive AI Development Program

The President tasked the government and the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms with creating a detailed AI and digital transformation program. This strategy must be pragmatic, involve international expertise, and specify concrete actions for AI integration across the economy and public administration.

Special attention will be given to labor market adaptation through large-scale training and skill development initiatives.

Nine Strategic Areas for AI Implementation

• Integration of AI in the real sector to boost productivity and economic modernization
• Digitalization of government services and processes
• Application of AI in healthcare for precise diagnostics and treatment planning
• Improvement of AI regulations aligned with international best practices
• Acceleration of digital infrastructure development
• Ensuring full, equitable access to Central Asia’s largest supercomputer cluster
• Migrating state and quasi-state systems to a sovereign digital platform
• Strengthening cybersecurity measures
• Enhancing secure communications through domestic platforms like the Aitu messenger

Addressing Cybersecurity and Data Protection

President Tokayev highlighted cybersecurity risks including biometric identity theft and misinformation through deepfakes. He noted over 40 major data leaks in Kazakhstan this year, with a significant breach in June.

The state must take full responsibility for digital security. Tokayev also urged a shift away from international messengers for personal data transmission towards secure domestic platforms to comply with data protection laws.

Building AI Skills and Human Capital

Long-term success depends on cultivating AI expertise among the younger generation. The ongoing AI-Sana initiative aims to provide foundational AI skills to students and is set for expansion.

Teacher upskilling in AI was also highlighted as essential, with the relevant ministry assigned to lead this effort.

Encouraging Innovation, Startups, and Investment

Global investment in AI startups reached nearly $100 billion in 2024, accounting for over one-third of venture capital worldwide. Tokayev stressed the need to create a supportive ecosystem in Kazakhstan to attract talent and funding.

He praised local AI startups with potential to become unicorns and called for targeted state support, including export assistance and revival of the digital ambassador initiative to promote Kazakhstan’s innovations on the international stage.

Looking Ahead

President Tokayev concluded by reaffirming AI’s strategic importance for Kazakhstan’s future. He emphasized the country’s goal to become an advanced digital state and pledged to personally oversee AI development efforts.

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