Kazakhstan Sets Up Digital Hub to Boost AI and Digital Modernization

In a significant stride towards digital transformation, Kazakhstan has established a digital headquarters to oversee Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation efforts. Chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the digital headquarters includes key government officials and aims to implement President Tokayev's AI and digital transformation agenda.

The digital headquarters is tasked with overseeing the digital transformation of economic sectors and has the authority to adopt decisions that are binding on central and local government bodies, as well as entities of the quasi-public sector. A comprehensive plan for integrating government information systems has been approved, with a timeline for consolidating government data on the Smart Data Ukimet platform set.

High-quality and timely implementation of the adopted documents is emphasized by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The digital headquarters is responsible for improving information security and increasing the efficiency of the state apparatus, as well as reviewing challenges related to digitalization projects.

One of the key objectives of the digital headquarters is to make Kazakhstan a digital hub in Eurasia. Integration using a new hashing method must be completed by September 1. All government employees are required to transition to the AITU national messenger by September 15. Full data transfer is expected to be finalized by December 1.

The digital transformation agenda under Prime Minister Bektenov, as outlined by President Tokayev, has made significant progress. So far, 92% of public services are available online, with wide smartphone accessibility. Cashless payments constitute 86% of transactions, and mobile banking usage is above 81% of the population, demonstrating leading e-government and fintech development in the region.

Key highlights of the digital transformation in Kazakhstan include:

Digital public services: The vast majority of government services (92%) are now online, supporting nationwide digital governance, although rural regions face connectivity challenges that initiatives like Starlink satellite internet aim to resolve for broader inclusivity.
Financial sector digitization: Kazakhstan ranks first in the CIS for e-government development and is a regional fintech hub, with a fourfold increase in fintech startups over five years. Advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, biometrics, mobile payments, and QR codes are widely adopted, enhancing financial ecosystems and cashless transactions.
Infrastructure and smart city initiatives: Projects like Giga City 2.0 by Beeline and ZTE demonstrate Kazakhstan’s commitment to futuristic, AI-driven, and environmentally friendly telecom infrastructure supporting sustainable urban digital ecosystems.
Strategic partnerships and investments: Collaboration with global financial institutions like Citi fosters digital asset regulation and financial innovation, highlighting Kazakhstan's ambition to become a financial hub with diversified economic growth beyond traditional sectors.

President Tokayev’s vision and Prime Minister Bektenov’s execution focus on closing the digital divide—particularly via satellite internet—and leveraging emerging technologies to boost economic diversification, digital inclusion, and sustainable development across the country. Although progress is robust in urban centers and financial hubs, ongoing efforts target extending reliable access and digital literacy to remote areas.

[1] Digital Kazakhstan [2] World Bank [3] Giga City 2.0 [4] Starlink in Kazakhstan [5] Citi in Kazakhstan