‏Tokayev Calls for AI-Driven Digital Economy and Technology Push Across Industry

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‏President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for Kazakhstan to accelerate the development of a digital economy powered by artificial intelligence (AI), urging the wider adoption of advanced technologies across industry, agriculture, mining and other key sectors.

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‏In his state-of-the-nation address on October 28, Tokayev emphasized the need to move beyond digital consumption toward technology-driven production, while modernizing geological exploration, strengthening food security and expanding infrastructure nationwide.

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‏Building a Digital Economy

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‏Tokayev said Kazakhstan had begun developing the infrastructure needed to implement its Digital Qazaqstan strategy, including the launch of two supercomputers, preparations to commission a third by the end of the year, the construction of data centers and the development of a fiber-optic trunk line across the Caspian Sea.

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‏However, he stressed that digitalization must deliver tangible economic and social benefits rather than simply automate existing procedures or involve costly software purchases without clear practical value.

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‏Kazakhstan has only begun commercializing artificial intelligence, asset tokenization, blockchain technologies and digital platform ecosystems, he said, calling on the government to develop a comprehensive program for applying digital technologies across the economy.

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‏"Our goal is to build a truly people-centered digital economy,” Tokayev said.

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‏From Digital Consumption to Digital Employment

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‏The president called for a fundamental shift in how citizens use digital technologies, arguing that internet access should support productive work, entrepreneurship and income generation rather than primarily serve as a platform for entertainment and consumption.

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‏He said the government should establish a simplified legal framework for digital employment by the end of 2026.

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‏Tokayev also emphasized that digital opportunities must be accessible to people in both urban and rural areas. He urged the government to combine existing business support programs with the capabilities of private marketplaces, banks, logistics companies and digital service providers.

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‏In 2027, the government and business community are expected to launch pilot projects in several regions to help rural producers market their goods through digital platforms. Successful initiatives could subsequently be expanded nationwide.

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‏The president also called for the broader use of asset tokenization to unlock the economic potential of digital technologies.

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‏AI and Industrial Modernization

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‏Tokayev linked digital transformation to the modernization of Kazakhstan’s industrial base, particularly geological exploration and the development of critical minerals.

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‏He called for a new approach to geological exploration, describing geology as a high-tech industry that requires advanced technologies, transparent data systems and greater private investment.

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‏"We must actively attract private investment in the search for and exploration of new deposits,” he said.

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‏The president also proposed establishing a national system for managing critical metal reserves, supported by long-term financing mechanisms for mining projects and potential off-take agreements to guarantee demand for domestically produced materials.

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‏Kazakhstan should consider creating a national stockpile of nonferrous and rare earth metals while strengthening its integration into global supply chains through strategic partnerships with developed countries.

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‏At the same time, Tokayev warned that poorly coordinated industrial investments could create excessive competition among domestic producers. He called for stronger government coordination and region-specific development priorities to prevent overdependence on individual industries or enterprises.

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‏He said regional development should encompass education, applied science, logistics, services, manufacturing and technological entrepreneurship.

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‏Introducing AI into Agriculture

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‏Agriculture was another major focus of Tokayev’s address. He called for faster technological modernization, including increased domestic production of advanced tractors and combine harvesters.

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‏Referring to a recent visit to Astana by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Tokayev said the introduction of artificial intelligence into Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector should begin as soon as possible.

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‏He argued that AI adoption, combined with modern agricultural technologies, could strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in global food security.

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‏The president also highlighted the country's extensive agricultural land and access to major water sources, noting that irrigated farming could increase yields of traditional crops by 2 to 2.5 times.

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‏He called for the use of water-saving technologies and advanced agrochemical solutions when developing new agricultural land.

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‏Tokayev further emphasized the need to improve water resource management through digital tools and urged the government to complete the National Water Resources Information System as soon as possible.

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‏2027: Year of Nationwide Large-Scale Construction

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‏Alongside digital transformation, Tokayev proposed declaring 2027 the Year of Nationwide Large-Scale Construction, building on the current Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.

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‏The initiative would focus on constructing and renovating essential infrastructure across regional centers, districts and smaller settlements.

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‏Priority projects would include roads, airports, railway stations, healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers for children with special needs, creative centers, sports complexes, libraries and scientific institutions. Housing construction would remain a key priority.

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‏"Thus, our common, nationwide response to the approaching era of artificial intelligence is to build, and build again!” Tokayev said.

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‏He stressed that the initiative aims to improve living standards, create new opportunities and secure a better future for younger generations.

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‏A Technology-Driven Future for Kazakhstan

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‏Tokayev’s address outlined a development agenda combining artificial intelligence, industrial modernization, agricultural innovation and large-scale infrastructure investment.

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‏The strategy seeks to strengthen Kazakhstan’s economic competitiveness, expand digital employment, attract private investment and improve living standards across the country.

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‏By combining technological advancement with regional development and infrastructure expansion, the government aims to position Kazakhstan for a more productive, diversified and digitally integrated economy.

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