Work is underway to establish a National Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Astana, according to a report presented at a cabinet’s meeting on the implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s address to the nation.
The government said that specialists are currently working on staffing and equipping the new center. At the same time, AI product development for all sectors of the economy and the e-government platform is also in progress. The timeline for the project’s completion has not yet been disclosed. The Ministry of Digital Development’s press office confirmed that a designated committee has been established to create the center.
In his address to the nation on Sept. 2, President Tokayev highlighted the importance of integrating AI technologies into the e-government platform, stating:
«Kazakhstan should become a country where artificial intelligence is widely used and digital technologies are advancing. This is a priority task for the government. I urge members of the parliament to join this effort.»
The National Bank’s April survey reported that 31% of financial market participants use AI in their operations, with the highest adoption rate among banks (60%). Additionally, 45% of respondents indicated plans to implement AI in 2024.
AI is one of the top priorities for Kazakhstan’s National Development Plan until 2029 and its concept of digital transformation, ICT development and cybersecurity for 2023-2029. Moreover, a separate AI development strategy for 2024-2029 has been in effect since July 2024. This strategy outlines plans to establish a supercomputer in the country, build data centers, launch a national AI platform and enhance fiber-optic communications.
In the 2023 Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index, Kazakhstan was ranked 72nd out of 193 countries with an index score of 48.56, a drop of five positions from 2022.
According to McKinsey, adopting AI technologies and advanced analytics could be crucial for Kazakhstan to achieve an annual GDP growth rate of 5% to 6% by 2030. During the adoption of the AI development concept in July, some economists noted that AI could boost global GDP by 14% by 2030.
