Officials given a two-month deadline to reach crucial decisions concerning AI, according to Toqaev
In a bold move towards technological advancement, the Kazakh government, under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is spearheading a comprehensive plan to support and develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI startups. This initiative aims to accelerate AI adoption across various sectors, foster local AI expertise, and embed AI in public services and the economy.
The plan, announced on August 11, 2025, includes a series of strategic measures and key initiatives.
Digital Headquarters
At the helm of this transformation is a Digital Headquarters, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. This group, comprising senior officials, is driving the fast-track integration of AI in healthcare, governance, the economy, and public services. They address nine priority areas outlined by the president, including AI deployment in economic sectors and public administration, cybersecurity, digital transformation strategy, IT modernization, support for IT startups, the QazTech national platform, and Smart City projects.
Support for AI Startups
AI startups will receive support via integration into governmental infrastructure, including access to unified medical databases through the Ministry of Health, and inclusion in national digital platforms to facilitate growth and innovation.
Legislative and Institutional Foundations
To ensure a structured AI ecosystem, a draft AI law was approved in 2024, and a dedicated Committee on AI was established. This committee oversees strategic development and regulation, ensuring fair rules for AI.
Investment in AI Infrastructure
Kazakhstan has launched the most powerful supercomputer in Central Asia to support AI research, development, and localized AI models. Notably, efforts are being made to develop AI capabilities in the Kazakh language to preserve cultural identity in the digital age.
Addressing AI Challenges in Agriculture and Industry
Ongoing efforts include creating AI platforms tailored to local conditions, providing subsidies, developing hybrid systems that operate offline to reduce cyber risks, and training users (e.g., farmers) on AI technologies.
Digital Public Services Integration
The government is modernising IT architecture, improving processes for citizen appeals, consolidating government communication through platforms like the Aitu national messenger, and enhancing cybersecurity to create a seamless and safe digital environment across public services.
President Tokayev's vision is to transform Kazakhstan into a digital state within five years, making AI the core driver of development. The goal of the AI-Sana program is to expand its scope as much as possible. Furthermore, President Tokayev emphasises the importance of strengthening international ties in the field of digital technologies.
Investment in AI is intensifying globally, with last year's global investments in AI startups reaching almost $100 billion. Kazakhstan, with its strategic location and rich resources, is poised to become a key player in this rapidly evolving field.
[1] Government of Kazakhstan [2] World Economic Forum [3] The Astana Times [4] Kazinform [5] Kazakhstan 2050
- To foster the growth and innovation of AI startups, the government of Kazakhstan aims to integrate these startups into governmental infrastructure, providing access to unified medical databases through the Ministry of Health, and inclusion in national digital platforms.
- Under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the plans for technological advancement in Kazakhstan include the investment in AI infrastructure, such as launching the most powerful supercomputer in Central Asia to support AI research, development, and localized AI models, with a focus on developing AI capabilities in the Kazakh language.
