Almaty will host Kazakhstan Growth Forum '26 with a focus on AI and digital transformation

Artificial intelligence is no longer an experiment, but the primary tool for survival. On September 16, at Kazakhstan Growth Forum’26, more than 400 executives from Kazakhstan’s largest companies will discuss how the deep integration of AI is changing the investment climate and who will lead the digital transformation of the market.

K26 will present a platform that combines customer analytics, financial auditing, and expert insights to help local brands win in competitive battles against global players. Daniyar Kazhenbayev, Managing Director of Centras Group, will explain at the forum how this ecosystem processes dozens of business cases simultaneously and why the future of the domestic market lies in this approach.

Years of practice have led experts to a clear understanding: a superficial view of business no longer works. To obtain an objective and comprehensive picture of the market, a holistic approach is required, combining three key components. It is the synthesis of these three elements that allows one to see the inner workings of business models: their non-obvious advantages, hidden risks, and growth points suggested by the dynamically changing environment.

The main catalyst for changes in analytics in recent years has been AI, which has significantly accelerated the collection and processing of huge amounts of data. Today, the platform can simultaneously launch up to 30 complex cases. These include both niche products and entire industries. This scale allows not just to state facts, but to identify growth drivers through Quality Assurance — quality standards that shape the landscape of entire industries in Kazakhstan.

The main goal of large-scale analytical work is not just to collect statistics, but to create a healthy, developing environment where every market participant receives real benefits.

— for business: access to current benchmarks, deep understanding of customer experience, study of advanced business models, and strengthening audience loyalty.

— for consumers: a real tool for influencing the market — the ability to clearly state their preferences and receive products and services of the highest quality right at home.

— for experts: the opportunity to directly influence market development by enhancing the competitiveness of domestic brands.

K26 participants will also look forward to panel discussions: MACROSTORMS & NEW ECONOMIC REALITY, QAZAQ DREAM: Desires, Brands, Storytelling, BUILDING NEW ECONOMY: FROM LOWEST PRICE TO HIGHER QUALITY, HUMANS VS MACHINES: AGENTIC ORGANIZATIONS, NEXT MOVES: HOW KAZAKH BUSINESS LEADERS WEATHER AI STORM, CxO: TALENTS FOR GROWTH. Additionally, KGF research will be presented: the top-1000 CXO rating, Centras 500 ranking, and others.

For the first time on the main stage of K26 — the session SHARK TANK IN ACTION: GAMECHANGERS with the support of MOST Holding. Ten innovative companies will present their pitches and undergo a rigorous review by business titans. Another experimental format is the strategic Ideation session “Agents Versus Humans,” where top managers and business owners will spend two hours in groups finding solutions to the most pressing questions: will agents replace humans, in which professions will the greatest changes occur, and what new opportunities do AI agents open up for us.

Closed formats are also available for registered participants: C‑Mentoring — express sessions with industry leaders to analyze specific business cases, and a series of masterclasses from leading experts.

Key speakers of the forum include leaders shaping the agenda of business and technological transformation in Kazakhstan:
— Eldar Abdrasakov, KGF
— Mikhail Lomtadze, Kaspi
— Bagdat Musin, Kazakhtelecom
— Konstantin Polunin, BCG
— Kairat Mazhibayev, RG Brands
— Nurlan Smagulov, Astana Group
— Ibragim Zhanlyel, Air Astana
— Zafar Hashimov, IFC Kazakhstan
— Dulatbek Ikbaev, McKinsey
— Arup Roy, Gartner
— and many other interesting speakers, whose acquaintance will be possible at K26.

The culmination of the ceremonial part will be the awarding of three annual prizes: CEO of The Year — for outstanding results in management, Deal of The Year — for the most significant strategic partnership, and Transformer of The Year — for digital transformation and innovation.

K26 thanks its partners, whose expertise and support make the forum a truly institutional platform. Among them: RBC Bank, Centras Life, Philip Morris Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, Smart Solutions, Centras Securities, PwC, Beeline Kazakhstan, Centras Insurance, Popeyes Kazakhstan, SOS Medical Assistance.

K26 is a strategic investment in the future of your business. Exclusive networking at the decision-maker level, unique formats unavailable anywhere else in Kazakhstan, and practical knowledge from the top executives of the largest companies. The number of places at The Ritz‑Carlton is strictly limited, and ticket prices are rising every day.

Register here.

When: September 16
Where: Almaty, The Ritz‑Carlton