In 2026, digitalization and artificial intelligence are becoming some of the key driving forces behind Kazakhstan’s technological development. The country is not only implementing national initiatives but also expanding cooperation with international partners, launching major IT events, and strengthening its digital infrastructure.
A set of key initiatives aimed at developing the digital sector and expanding AI skills among the population has been approved. These measures include plans to train hundreds of thousands of school students, university students, and teachers, enhance eGov services with artificial intelligence, and introduce innovative digital tools.
At the same time, the Digital Qazaqstan strategy is taking shape.
It envisages the expansion of digital public administration (GovTech), the development of digital workplaces for civil servants, improvements to the eGov portal, and the creation of new AI-oriented services.
One of the largest infrastructure projects is the creation of a Data Center Valley. This digital cluster, focused on high-performance computing and attracting foreign investment, is intended to become a Central Asian hub of digital infrastructure with a total energy capacity of up to 1 GW.
In addition, a Digital Financing Fund is scheduled to be launched by October 1, 2026, which is expected to stimulate investment in startups, IT projects, and programs for implementing digital solutions in the real sector of the economy.
The IT community is actively involved in digital initiatives. From March 27 to April 5, a large-scale hackathon, Decentration 5.0, will be held in 20 cities across the country, bringing together developers, startups, and experts in artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Educational initiatives are also being implemented, including AI olympiads and competitions for students, researchers, and young professionals.
Kazakhstan is strengthening its international ties in the digital sphere. A key milestone was the participation of an official delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev in the World Government Summit 2026 in the UAE. One of the main outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cabinet of Ministers of the UAE.
Such international dialogue facilitates the adoption of advanced approaches and the attraction of foreign investment and expertise into Kazakhstan’s domestic digital initiatives.
Already today, Kazakhstani companies are implementing AI tools in practical operations. For example, news services use algorithms to automate analytics, while industrial groups report positive results from deploying digital solutions at their facilities.
At the same time, amid the digitalization of the economy, the impact of AI on the labor market is being actively discussed. Experts believe it will not lead to mass layoffs but will change the nature of professions, requiring new skills from specialists.