Over 17 % of the planet's working-age population now works with generative artificial intelligence. This marks a new record according to Microsoft's data for the first quarter of 2026, El.kz reports.
The world is changing rapidly. The United Arab Emirates has become the absolute leader, where 70 % of the working-age population uses artificial intelligence. Singapore follows in second place at 63 percent. Many European countries are also far ahead.
US ranked only 21st with a rate of 31 percent. The scale and diversity of the population play a significant role in this ranking.
Kazakhstan in the global ranking
Kazakhstan is demonstrating steady progress. According to Microsoft data, in the first quarter of 2026, the share of AI users among the country's working population reached 15.9 percent. This is a notable increase compared to 13.7 percent at the end of 2025.
The country has entered the ranks of the fastest-growing AI markets in Asia. This result is particularly encouraging against the backdrop of the general Asian ascent.
The Asian boom gains momentum
Asia is currently the primary engine of global AI growth. Twelve of the fifteen most dynamic markets are located here. South Korea showed an explosive growth of 43 percent. Thailand and Japan have also accelerated significantly.
In many ways, this success is linked to the fact that artificial intelligence models have become significantly better at handling local languages. This immediately made the technology accessible and useful for millions of ordinary people from students to specialists.
Kazakhstan is moving in this same current. Although we are not yet leaders in absolute figures, the growth rates give hope for further acceleration.
The North-South divide
Unfortunately, the world is becoming increasingly divided. In the countries of the Global North, nearly 28 percent of people use AI. In the Global South, that figure is only 15 percent. The gap continues to widen.
The main obstacles are well-known: stable electricity, high-quality internet, and digital skills. Those who can overcome them faster will gain a serious advantage in the coming years.
A revolution in programming
A separate, powerful AI effect is already visible in the field of software development. New models have sharply increased the volume of code being created. Globally, the number of changes on GitHub has grown by 78 % in one year.
At the same time, developer employment is not falling but rising. In the US, the number of specialists reached a record 2.2 mln people in 2025. It seems that when creating software becomes faster and cheaper, companies simply begin to produce much more of it.
What this means for Kazakhstan
For our country, these trends open real opportunities. The digital economy, government programs, and growing business interest in new technologies create fertile ground.
15.9 % is no longer an experiment; it is a significant portion of the active population. If these rates continue, Kazakhstan could occupy an even more prominent place on the regional digital map.
The world is not waiting. Those who learn to truly work with AI faster will gain an advantage in both business and everyday life.
