Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized that artificial intelligence must become the primary catalyst for the advancement of all industries during an August 11 meeting focused on AI development, highlighting its status as a strategic priority for Kazakhstan.
The session included Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Presidential Administration Head Aibek Dadebay, government officials, and heads of key agencies, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
AI as a Pillar of National Growth and Sovereignty
Tokayev stressed that without embracing and advancing AI technologies, Kazakhstan cannot maintain competitiveness on the global stage. Citing UNCTAD projections, he noted that the global AI market is expected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, increasing its share in the tech sector from 7 per cent to 29 per cent.
While acknowledging Kazakhstan’s initial strides in AI, the president criticized the current pace as insufficient and called for accelerated efforts. He reaffirmed AI’s vital role as a foundation of national sovereignty and a driving force for economic growth.
Global Developments and Kazakhstan’s Strategic Direction
Referencing recent global initiatives-such as the US AI Action Plan and China’s proposal for a global AI cooperation body-Tokayev urged Kazakh experts to study these strategies closely. He endorsed Kazakhstan’s involvement in establishing a multilateral AI organization and stressed the country’s ambition to become Eurasia’s digital hub.
Despite prior directives on infrastructure, legal frameworks, and AI implementation mechanisms, Tokayev expressed dissatisfaction with slow progress toward a unified national digital ecosystem.
A Comprehensive National AI Strategy
To coordinate efforts, the president tasked the government and the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms with developing a pragmatic, internationally informed AI and digital transformation program. This strategy must define clear sectoral integration steps and address labor market adaptation through extensive retraining and skill-building.
Nine Strategic Pillars for AI Integration
Tokayev outlined nine core areas for AI deployment, including enhancing economic modernization through AI in the real sector, digitalizing government services, and integrating AI in healthcare for improved diagnostics and treatment.
He highlighted the need to update regulatory frameworks with international best practices and accelerate digital infrastructure development, pointing to the recent launch of Central Asia’s largest supercomputer cluster. The president mandated full access to this resource and directed migration of all public systems onto a sovereign digital platform.
Cybersecurity and Secure Communications
Addressing cybersecurity risks linked to AI-such as biometric identity theft and deepfakes-Tokayev underscored the state’s responsibility for national digital security. He noted over 40 significant data breaches in Kazakhstan since early 2025, with the largest in June.
He also raised concerns about using foreign messaging apps for personal data, often violating privacy laws, and recommended transitioning to secure domestic platforms like Aitu messenger for official and private communications.
Human Capital and AI Education
Focusing on sustainability, Tokayev emphasized cultivating AI skills among youth through initiatives like the AI-Sana training program, calling for its expansion. He also stressed the importance of teacher training in AI, assigning this task to the relevant ministry.
Innovation, Startups, and Investment Climate
Noting that global AI startup investments reached nearly $100 billion in 2024-over one-third of total venture capital-Tokayev highlighted the fierce competition for talent and funding. He called for creating an enabling environment in Kazakhstan to attract investors and nurture innovation.
Praising promising local AI startups with unicorn potential, he urged targeted state support and directed the government to implement export promotion measures for homegrown AI firms. The president also ordered the revival of the digital ambassador initiative to showcase Kazakhstan’s digital innovations internationally.
Closing Remarks
Tokayev concluded by reaffirming that developing a robust national AI sector is crucial to Kazakhstan’s future. He emphasized the goal of becoming a leading digital nation and confirmed that AI development would remain under his personal oversight.
