The export of IT services from Kazakhstan has grown 20 times over 5 years

The Government of Kazakhstan reviewed issues related to the development of the country's digital industry.

Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiev reported on measures taken to increase IT exports, enhance the security of digital platforms, and support domestic startups within the framework of Astana Hub's activities. Representatives from IT Hub "Terricon Valley" Sabir Niyazov, Arlan BioTech Bolat Sultankulov, and ITS Partner Ltd Marat Tastemirov also spoke.

Kazakhstan ranks among the top 30 most digitized countries in the world and holds the eighth position globally in terms of online services provided. In the first half of 2024, IT service exports grew to $306 million. It is expected that by the end of the year, the volume will exceed $600 million. Over the past five years, exports have increased twentyfold. The country is systematically developing robotics and artificial intelligence technologies, while continuing digital transformation across many sectors.

A legislative framework has been established and is continuously improved. The Concept of Digital Transformation has been adopted, creating favorable economic conditions for the development of the venture market and startup ecosystems. More than 1,500 companies are successfully operating at the Astana Hub technology park, which has become a real innovation cluster and a key partner for many startups. Promising projects such as E-commerce, BigData, GameDev, Fintech, MedTech, and others demonstrate high export potential. Their active development is expected to contribute to growing IT product and service exports to $1 billion by 2026.

In line with the President's directives on developing artificial intelligence, active work is underway to improve legislation in this area. Next year, the Artificial Intelligence Center is planned to launch in Astana, aiming to attract young talent. The Ministry of Digitalization has been tasked with maintaining close oversight of this initiative.

A key priority today is preparing highly qualified IT professionals. Necessary conditions have been established at Astana Hub facilities. The Ministries of Digital Development, Science and Higher Education, and Education have been instructed to develop a concept for further training and education in close cooperation with Astana Hub and regional hubs. Emphasis has been placed on the quality of specialist preparation rather than just the quantity. Approaches to enhancing digital literacy and skills must also be regularly updated based on global best practices.

Additionally, regional akimats must give due attention to ensuring adequate digital infrastructure. The relevant ministry, together with regional akimats, has been directed to take measures to develop Astana Hub, support regional hubs, and create favorable conditions for expanding export-oriented IT sectors, as well as update venture financing approaches.

Source: gov.kz