Kazakhstan Emerges as Central Asia's Rising AI Power with US and China Partnerships Driving Growth
Kazakhstan is rapidly becoming a key AI player in Central Asia by leveraging strategic partnerships with the US and China, launching national AI initiatives, and investing in infrastructure to boost economic growth in 2025.
Kazakhstan has emerged as a significant new player in the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape of Central Asia, with 2025 marking a pivotal year for its technological and economic ambitions. The country is leveraging strategic partnerships with global tech leaders, particularly the United States and China, to accelerate its AI capabilities and position itself as a regional hub for AI innovation and application.
In 2025, Kazakhstan has moved forward with comprehensive national strategies, including the upgrade of its AI development framework into a full-fledged National AI Strategy. This strategy focuses on boosting human capital, enhancing technological infrastructure, and fostering a supportive institutional environment. One standout initiative is the launch of the National AI Platform, which integrates more than 100 AI agents automating governance services like digital public administration, widening access to data and AI models, and training thousands of civil servants in AI skills.
Partnerships with the US and China have facilitated knowledge exchange, investment, and access to critical AI technologies. Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub operates international offices in Washington, D.C., and Beijing, among others, fostering export of domestic AI solutions and attracting foreign investment. These collaborations are instrumental in scaling projects such as the AI-based Smart City initiative set to digitize urban infrastructure and optimize transport, energy, and security systems across major Kazakh cities.
Institutional support is strong, with the creation of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development to oversee AI integration in key economic sectors, reflecting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s strategic vision of transforming Kazakhstan into a digital powerhouse by 2028. The country aims to train over 1 million citizens in AI and data analytics, nurturing a robust AI talent pipeline that can sustain its growth trajectory.
Kazakhstan’s balanced approach, linking global partnerships and domestic innovation, is accelerating its rise as Central Asia's prominent AI hub, strengthening its economy and modernizing governance in an era where AI is reshaping global competitiveness and development.
