Delivering a speech at the CFO Summit 2025 in Almaty, InDrive CEO and Founder Arsen Tomsky stated that he does not perceive a strong national idea in Kazakhstan. He suggested that if such an idea is needed, it should be developed using private funding.
Tomsky made this statement in response to a question about what kind of dream could serve as the foundation for Kazakhstan’s national idea. According to him, many economic miracles are often built on national ideas. In a capitalistic society, he argued, the absence of such an idea often leads to money becoming the primary motivator for many citizens.
“I am new to Kazakhstan myself and may not see all the nuances. But it feels like there is no clear national idea that is widely supported and accepted by everyone in the country,” Tomsky stated.
He believes that a national idea should be based on one, two or three components, along with a roadmap, which could then be presented to the country’s leadership.
“I think a small national agency — just 10 employees — should be established to develop and introduce this idea within five years. Special attention should be given to education and the arts,” he said.
According to Tomsky, the project should be sponsored by businessmen.
“I think it would be better for the initiative to be funded by people like me so that everything is as effective as possible. Those who invest money typically want it to be spent effectively. If this project is implemented at the expense of public funds, it would likely stagnate in nine out of 10 cases,” he elaborated.
Tomsky’s company is expanding rapidly in Kazakhstan. However, in late February, the businessman claimed that rivals launched smear campaigns against InDrive. In response to accusations that the app isn’t safe, he dismissed these claims as a negative PR, urging Kazakhstanis not to believe rumors and to continue using the app with confidence.
