Astana, November 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting of the Digital Headquarters, during which the Government approved the implementation model for Digital Qazaqstan, a large-scale strategy aimed at accelerating nationwide digitalisation and embedding artificial intelligence technologies across all sectors of the economy, the Government’s press service reported.
The proposed model outlines two levels of governance: a strategic level overseen by the Digital Headquarters and an operational level managed by the Interdepartmental Commission on Public Service Delivery, which will be restructured into the Commission for Accelerated Digital Transformation.
The strategy is being developed in accordance with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s guidance outlined in his Address, “Kazakhstan in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Solutions Through Digital Transformation.”
During the session, the Digital Headquarters adopted several key decisions designed to prepare the Strategy and meet national objectives, including ensuring sustainable economic growth, overcoming the middle-income trap, and transitioning Kazakhstan into a fully digital state.
Clear Timelines Set for Digital Transformation Projects
Prime Minister Bektenov instructed relevant ministries, the quasi-public sector, and other stakeholders to:
- By 5 December 2025: identify “icebreaker projects” and develop foundational technological initiatives;
- By 31 December 2025: complete the draft Strategy for digitalisation and artificial intelligence, Digital Qazaqstan.
According to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Strategy will rely on a system of national “icebreaker projects,” each with defined KPIs and deadlines. The Strategy will span 10 priority areas:
- Digital public services
- Healthcare
- Education and the labour market
- Digital economy
- Data
- Cybersecurity
- Robotics
- Digital infrastructure
- Regulation
- Startup and innovation ecosystem
Education Highlighted as a Pilot Sector
Using education as a model sector, the Ministry introduced the project “Interactive Education Based on AI.” Plans include the creation of an AI-university, the expansion of Tomorrow-school, deployment of GPT Education technologies, and the launch of AI-focused programmes for school students. These initiatives aim to elevate digital literacy and improve Kazakhstan’s performance in international assessments such as PISA.
AI-Driven Growth Expected Across Economy
Implementation of the strategy is projected to accelerate economic development through AI integration, boost labour productivity, reduce public service delivery times, and improve decision-making efficiency. It will also contribute to the creation of high-tech industries, expand employment in STEM fields, and support the training of new digital professionals.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev noted that global investments in AI are rapidly expanding. By 2028, AI spending in leading economies is expected to reach 4–6% of annual GDP, with up to 65% of investments directed toward IT equipment such as servers, data storage systems and computing clusters.
Strong Digital Foundation Enables Transition to New Strategy
Government data shows steady progress in digital development between 2018 and 2024:
- E-commerce share increased from 2.6% to 14.5%
- Cashless payments rose from 30% to 89%
- Digital literacy improved from 83% to 91.2%
- Electronic public services usage increased from 80% to 93.3%
- Internet coverage expanded from 82% to 96%
- Digital economy specialists increased from 182,000 to 190,000
- Startup investments grew from $200 million to $665.5 million
- Kazakhstan’s EGDI ranking improved from 28th to 24th place.
These achievements, officials stressed, form the foundation for launching the new, comprehensive Digital Qazaqstan Strategy, marking the country’s shift toward a deeply digital, AI-powered future.
