Kazakhstan Emerges as AI Leader in Central Asia

Kazakhstan is emerging as the AI leader in Central Asia, according to insights shared by Expert of International Security Department at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aynur Tukumova.

photo: Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has ranked 60th globally with a score of 55.86, leading Central Asia and joining India and Türkiye as regional frontrunners in South and Central Asia, proceeding from the Government AI Readiness Index 2025 by Oxford Insights.

The index evaluates countries not only on their ability to adopt AI in governance but also on creating an environment for AI-driven economic growth.

Regional Leaders:

India remains the top regional performer, ranking 21st globally, driven by the release of the IndiaAI Governance Guidelines, the establishment of a national AI coordination group, and $1.3 billion in federal investments over five years.

Türkiye ranks second regionally (48th globally), supported by a strong digital infrastructure and policies like the TechVisa, which attracts international AI talent with tax incentives.

Kazakhstan, moving up from 72nd in 2023, rose 12 places in two years, thanks to systemic improvements in digital infrastructure, AI integration in public services, and the development of an innovation ecosystem around Astana Hub. A major milestone was the launch of a national supercomputer in July 2025, enhancing the country’s computational capacity for scaling AI solutions.

Other regional countries:

Uzbekistan - 62nd (54.69)

Azerbaijan - 70th

Georgia - 84th (43.1)

Armenia - 108th (37.17)

Kyrgyzstan - 116th (33.69)

Tajikistan - 135th (27.37)

Turkmenistan - 166th (20.75)

Experts highlight that Kazakhstan’s progress is systemic, not sporadic, combining AI adoption in governance with private sector innovation. Future growth depends on human capital development, national data policies, and responsible AI use.

Reflecting this commitment, 2026 has been declared the Year of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, signaling a shift from isolated digital initiatives to systemic national AI development. Plans include expanding AI in public services, building national AI infrastructure, training skilled professionals, and supporting innovative projects-further strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a regional AI leader.