In Kazakhstan, 2026 has officially been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. The corresponding decree was signed by President Tokayev on January 6, 2026. The decision aims to accelerate the country’s technological transformation and introduce digital solutions across all key sectors of the economy. The implementation of the program is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the global digital economy.

Digital state in coming years

The government has set the goal of building a fully functional digital state within the next three years. The priority is to integrate modern technologies into the economy, public administration, and the daily lives of citizens.

Kazakh Prime Minister emphasized that digital transformation must deliver benefits for the population.

“The Head of State declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Our main objective is to introduce the latest technologies into all sectors of the economy. At the same time, every citizen must feel the practical impact of this work,” he noted.

Legislative framework for digital economy

One of the key steps has been the creation of a new regulatory framework for technological development. At the beginning of 2026, the Digital Code was signed, aiming to systematize the legal regulation of the digital sector.

Earlier, in November 2025, the country adopted its first law “On Artificial Intelligence.” The document regulates the safe implementation of AI technologies and defines the basic rules for working with data, digital assets, and new digital services.

Authorities also plan to align existing legislation with the new code and prepare a package of amendments to be submitted to parliament.

Development of infrastructure and internet access

Significant emphasis has been placed on expanding digital infrastructure. According to the relevant ministry, by the end of 2025 high-speed internet had been introduced in 2,600 rural settlements.

In 2026, access to the network is planned for another 1,900 villages. At the same time, measures are being taken to accelerate the installation of base stations and remove bureaucratic barriers that previously could delay infrastructure deployment for almost a year.

The development of telecommunications networks also includes the introduction of Direct-to-Cell satellite technology and the expansion of 5G coverage in the country’s largest cities.

Data centers and computing capacity

The growth of the digital economy requires new computing resources. In 2025, two data centers with a combined capacity of 7.4 MW were launched in Almaty and Astana.

During 2026, three more similar facilities with a total capacity of 12.9 MW are planned to be launched. These capacities will support the operation of government information systems and improve data security.

Government information systems are also being migrated to a new Tier-III state data center.

Growth of digital services

Digital services continue to be widely used by citizens. By the end of 2025, over 54 mln public services had been delivered through the e-gov mobile application.

The development of digital platforms has also increased the export of IT services. Last year, its volume reached approximately $1 billion.

According to the UN E-Government Development Index, Kazakhstan ranks 24th in the world and is among the top ten countries in terms of the development of digital services.

National AI ecosystem

One of the key projects is the creation of the national AI center alem.ai. The center is expected to become a platform for developing and implementing AI technologies in both the public and private sectors.

The official opening of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence is scheduled to take place at this venue in March.

At the same time, the “Digital Qazaqstan” strategy is being developed to define the long-term development of the digital economy.

Training the next generation of specialists

Special attention is being paid to the development of human capital. Within the framework of the AI-SANA initiative, AI education will be introduced at all levels of learning - from schools to retraining programs for adult professionals.

It is expected that at least 450,000 students and teachers will be covered by digital and AI skills development programs.

The country also plans to launch the first stage of the AI University project, expand the artificial intelligence school Tomorrow School, and implement the “AI Governance 500” program for training digital leaders in the public sector.

Digital public administration

One of the directions of reform will be the transition of government bodies to the GovTech model. This concept involves integrating digital tools into the daily work of civil servants.

At least 80 percent of government employees are expected to receive a digital workplace called Gov Workspace, with unified access to key information systems.

Authorities also plan to introduce artificial intelligence into the provision of public services. According to the plan, at least 50 government services will be delivered using AI technologies.

Security and the fight against cyber threats

The development of artificial intelligence is accompanied by new risks. Authorities highlight the need to strengthen the protection of personal data and prevent cyber fraud.

The ministries of internal affairs and artificial intelligence have been tasked with developing mechanisms to detect new types of crimes related to the use of digital technologies.

Special attention will also be paid to auditing the information systems of government agencies and eliminating potential vulnerabilities.

Digitalization of Key Industries

The program also supports the introduction of digital technologies in key sectors of the economy, including industry, energy, construction, agriculture, and logistics.

The plan includes implementing big data analytics systems, IoT technologies, digital twins, and autonomous solutions. In agriculture, the expansion of AI-based land monitoring is expected to increase crop yields by about 10 percent.

In construction, wider use of digital master plans and BIM modeling is planned.

Digital Cities and Regions

The program also provides for large-scale development of digital infrastructure in the regions. In particular, it includes the construction of fiber-optic communication lines in rural areas and mobile internet coverage along highways.

5G coverage is expected to reach 100 percent in the 20 largest cities of the country. At the same time, public service centers will be transformed into digital offices with self-service zones.

Shaping a New Economy

Digitalization is viewed as the foundation for building a new technological economy. Authorities plan to develop the unmanned industry, the digital asset market, and projects in the field of space technologies.

Projects to launch domestic satellites and expand the export of digital solutions are also under consideration.

Kazakhstan aims to join the group of countries that not only adopt technologies but also create their own digital products.