Kazakhstan launches a new stage of digital transformation of regions

In Kazakhstan, discussions are underway regarding the transition from targeted digitalization to systemic transformation of regions. As part of the Digital Qazaqstan 2026 forum in Shymkent, a round table titled “Digital Regions of Kazakhstan” was held, with key topics including infrastructure development, the implementation of artificial intelligence, and the creation of sustainable technological ecosystems.

Participants emphasized the need to transition to a new development model where data, regional IT hubs, and workforce training play a central role. Special attention was given to the creation of so-called data lakes, which are viewed as foundational infrastructure for implementing AI-based solutions across various sectors, from urban management to the agro-industrial complex.

Dmitry Mun, Vice Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence, noted that intelligent systems in the regions are not just about technology, but also serve as a tool for improving efficiency, accessibility of services, and economic returns. According to him, the state’s task is to ensure unified digital standards, under which residents of rural districts can receive medical, educational, and public services at the level of megacities.

Magzhan Madiev, Head of Astana Hub, presented a strategy for the development of regional IT hubs as growth points for technological ecosystems. He emphasized that the digital transformation of Kazakhstan is entering a new stage, where regions become centers of attraction for talent, investments, and technological entrepreneurship. Already today, the results of Astana Hub’s work demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach: investments have been attracted from major international companies, approximately 30,000 jobs have been created, and the total revenue of participants has grown to 2.5 trillion tenge.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the startup ecosystem. A support system has been established in the country, ranging from educational programs such as Startup School and Startup Orda to international accelerators, including Silkway Accelerator, Hero Training, and AlchemistX. This enables startups to enter global markets, including the USA, UAE, and China. Among the successful cases, projects CITIX and Arlan Biotech were highlighted.

Workforce training was identified as an important element of digital transformation. Adina Magauina, Head of the Alem.ai Foundation, presented educational initiatives TUMO and Tomorrow School, aimed at training youth in the fields of AI, programming, and creative industries. In particular, the TUMO Astana center has already attracted more than 2,700 participants, over 1,600 of whom are currently undergoing training.

The Tomorrow School project has become the first example in Kazakhstan of a peer-to-peer programming and artificial intelligence school without traditional teachers. It is now being scaled up: campuses are planned to be opened in 17 regions and two cities of republican significance in partnership with universities and local authorities.

Representatives of regional authorities also participated in the discussion. They noted the importance of implementing digital solutions at the city and rural levels, including the development of Smart City technologies, digitalization of the agricultural sector, creation of IT infrastructure in district centers, and improving the accessibility of online public services.

Source: gov.kz