President Tokayev Announces Kazakhstan’s Vision for a Digital Future
President Tokayev Announces Kazakhstan’s Vision for a Digital Future
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his traditional State of the Nation address, unveiled a comprehensive reform program titled “Kazakhstan in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Key Tasks and Solutions Through Digital Transformation.” In his speech, the President presented an ambitious vision encompassing digital transformation, investment modernization, global connectivity, and institutional renewal.
At the heart of his address was Kazakhstan’s determination to become a leader in the age of artificial intelligence. Tokayev announced the establishment of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
This new institution, to be headed by an expert at the Deputy Prime Minister level, will aim to transform Kazakhstan into a fully digital country within three years.
He also instructed the rapid adoption of a Digital Law covering artificial intelligence, big data, and the platform economy.
The President also addressed financial innovations, announcing the creation of a State Digital Assets Fund to establish a strategic crypto reserve and the adoption of a new Banking Law by the end of the year to strengthen the fintech sector.
Tokayev stressed that excessive bureaucracy in the investment system undermines efficiency and emphasized the need to develop a new investment attraction model.
In this context, he said a Regional Investment Attractiveness Index would be created and that the Prime Minister would personally oversee the process.
Significant projects were also announced in the field of transportation and logistics. Tokayev noted that the Dostyk–Mointy double-track railway, a strategic part of the East–West corridor, is nearing completion. He instructed that by October, the Smart Cargo Digital Customs and Logistics Platform—ensuring equal access for the private sector—be implemented.
He also announced the establishment of a national cargo airline as part of Kazakhstan’s goal to become Eurasia’s leading air transport hub.
In foreign policy, Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan’s multi-vector diplomacy approach, expressing satisfaction with positive developments in U.S.–Russia talks and the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation with China, Turkey, Central Asian countries, the European Union, and the United States. He also reiterated his call for reform of the UN Security Council, stating that Kazakhstan’s views on the matter would be presented at the UN General Assembly.
Tokayev also proposed a transition to a unicameral parliament to be submitted to a referendum in 2027. He emphasized that this process should be transparent and based on consultation.
National priorities also included granting special status to Alatau City, adopting a new Urban Development Law by the end of the year, creating a digital land resource map, and implementing food security and water management strategies, as well as restoring the Aral Sea and protecting the Caspian Sea.
In the context of social policies, Tokayev announced steps to reform the social assistance system, strengthen pensions, expand healthcare services, and improve financial literacy.
He also unveiled programs to integrate artificial intelligence into school curricula and to expand digital education in rural areas to prepare the younger generation for the AI era.
At the conclusion of his speech, President Tokayev emphasized that the principles of law, order, and patriotism will guide Kazakhstan through the process of global change:
“As long as our people are united and maintain internal stability, we will overcome all difficulties and successfully pass every test.”