Kazakhstan is preparing for a new phase of large-scale cooperation with the World Bank Group, with up to $1 billion per year in potential support under a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2026-2031.

Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held talks with World Bank representatives to shape the next six-year strategy, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

He described the partnership as strategic and thanked the Bank for preparing a roadmap that will guide joint efforts until 2031.

Kazakhstan, he said, highly values its long-term cooperation with the World Bank, noting that the proposed framework will back the country’s reforms through expertise, financing, and joint initiatives.

What’s in Focus for 2026-2031?

The draft strategy prioritizes:

Transport and digital connectivity

Climate action and green transition

Modernization of water and energy services

Financial market development

Private investment and competitiveness

Expansion of renewable energy

The World Bank signaled readiness to allocate up to $1 billion annually over six years to support infrastructure, private sector growth, and economic competitiveness. Analytical backing will continue under the Joint Economic Research Program.

Results of the 2020-2025 Framework

Officials also reviewed outcomes of the current CPF cycle. Over the past five years:

14 major projects worth $4.2 billion were implemented

Key infrastructure upgrades included the Western Europe-Western China transit corridor and reconstruction of the Almaty-Khorgos highway

Irrigation and drainage systems were modernized, improving water efficiency for 94,000 users

More than 1,000 enterprises received grants and consulting support

175 startups generated $41 million in sales and attracted $16 million in investment

Transport projects alone cut travel time by two-thirds, tripled speeds, reduced costs by 35 per cent, and created 1,200 permanent jobs.

IFC Expands Investment Plans

Representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) confirmed continued advisory support for public-private partnership (PPP) projects and expansion of investment activity. The financing of the Almaty bypass railway was cited as a flagship example.

Looking ahead, priority areas include railway modernization, support for micro and small businesses, and development of the agro-industrial sector, including modern agricultural machinery and grain processing.

The draft strategy will now be refined based on proposals from both sides before being submitted to the World Bank’s Board of Directors.

Earlier it was reported that World Bank-financed projects are set to roll out in seven cities across Kazakhstan - signaling that the next stage of cooperation could reshape key sectors of the country’s economy.