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Kazakhstan — Daily

Kazakhstan Daily: S&P lifts outlook to Positive, King Abdullah state visit set, Tokayev–Macron talk trade

,   and  Lexica
26 min read

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Politics

New Law Tightens Oversight of Shared-Equity Housing as Construction Surges

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan introduces sweeping reforms to shared-equity housing effective 29 August, following a surge in construction activity and rising fraud risks. The law bans pre-contracts and other “shadow” schemes, extends regulation to cottage settlements, restricts advertising without permits or a state operator’s guarantee, and bars mortgages for unapproved projects. Administrative fines rise to 2,000 AEK (~KZT 7.9 million). Monthly monitoring by engineering firms will feed into local authorities, aiming to detect and act on risks earlier. Officials say higher advance payments to contractors—raised from 25% to 50% with irrevocable bank guarantees—will maintain cash flow and on-time delivery, though lawmakers warn of moral hazard if developers abscond. 11 regions currently list 51 problematic projects with 4,700 equity holders, underscoring urgency.

"These norms will protect equity holders’ rights, ensure legality and transparency, and strengthen state oversight." - Ministry of Industry and Construction (aikyn.kz)

"The main goal is to ease procedures for mid-sized entrants, enhance investor protection, and prevent illegal fundraising." - MP Samat Mussabayev, AMANAT (aikyn.kz)

"A 50% advance, backed by an irrevocable bank guarantee, is needed to keep works continuous and deliver homes on time." - Vice Minister Kuandyk Kazhkenov (aikyn.kz)

"Who assumes obligations if a developer takes the money and flees? Our priority must be the equity holder’s rights." - MP Aytuar Koshmambetov (aikyn.kz)

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Presidential Decree Expands Powers of Competition Protection and Development Agency

Published: 2025-08-23

A presidential decree signed on 18 August 2025 amends the regulation governing the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition, broadening its authorities. While the text of the changes was not detailed, the move signals continued prioritization of market oversight and antimonopoly enforcement. Expanded powers typically allow stronger scrutiny of dominant firms, merger control, and unfair practices, aligning with ongoing reforms to improve the business climate and curb monopolistic behavior. For foreign investors, clearer enforcement capacity can reduce regulatory uncertainty if accompanied by transparent procedures and due process. The decree’s effective date and specific competencies will determine operational impact on sectors with high concentration, including transport, energy, and telecommunications. Further implementing acts and guidance are likely to follow, clarifying compliance expectations for market participants.

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Conscription Overhaul Introduces eGov Deferrals and SMS as Official Notices

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry has posted draft amendments to conscription procedures on the Open NLA portal to align regulations with the new law on military service and patriotic education. The initiative prioritizes digitization and standardization nationwide. A key change allows conscription deferrals to be processed via the eGov portal, reducing paperwork and saving time for applicants. Another change designates SMS messages sent to a conscript’s registered phone number as official notices, intended to speed up communication and lower the risk of missing draft summonses. The ministry positions the reforms as part of a broader effort to streamline call-up processes and improve administrative efficiency through digital tools. Stakeholder commentary suggests these steps will make the system more responsive, though implementation details and timelines were not specified in the draft.

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Economy

S&P lifts sovereign outlook to Positive, citing fiscal rules and diversification drive

Published: 2025-08-23

S&P Global Ratings affirmed the sovereign rating at BBB- and raised the outlook to Positive, pointing to sustained progress on institutional and economic reforms, including new Budget and Tax Codes and tighter fiscal rules. The agency expects revenue-base expansion and fiscal consolidation to narrow deficits and keep debt stable over the medium term. It underscores Kazakhstan’s strong external position as a net external creditor due to low external debt and sizable National Fund assets and FX reserves. Outlook improvement is also tied to ongoing liberalization and diversification, with national infrastructure plans and modernization efforts expected to reduce oil dependence and lift non-oil revenues. Governance measures—anti-corruption steps, decentralization, and transparency—are noted as strengthening social consensus. S&P assesses secondary-sanctions risk as low.

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Antimonopoly Probe Targets Kazakhtelecom Over Fixed Internet Price Hikes

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s Agency for Protection and Development of Competition has opened an investigation into Kazakhtelecom over alleged monopolistic pricing in fixed broadband. A market analysis by the agency found signs of “monopolistically high prices” in the operator’s tariffs, noting price increases of up to 20% in 2024 for 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, and 500 Mbps packages. The probe examines potential violations of competition law related to pricing for wired internet services. For consumers and businesses, the case could impact broadband costs and competitive dynamics in a market where Kazakhtelecom holds significant share and controls key infrastructure. If violations are confirmed, remedies could include fines and mandated tariff adjustments, potentially opening space for alternative providers and more transparent pricing structures.

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Currency Exchange Rates Posted at Bureaus in Astana and Almaty

Published: 2025-08-23

Inform.kz reported that exchange bureaus in Astana and Almaty published current foreign currency rates. While the brief notice highlights availability of rates, it provides no specific buy/sell figures or currency pairs. For businesses and travelers, such postings typically reflect day-to-day movements tied to tenge liquidity, central bank policy signals, and global dollar dynamics. In Kazakhstan, exchange bureaus often adjust rapidly to interbank market shifts, so rate boards in the two largest cities can indicate short-term sentiment on the tenge and consumer demand for dollars and euros. Without explicit numbers or official commentary in the report, readers should consult real-time bureau or bank platforms for precise rates and compare spreads before transactions.

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Mandatory Motor Insurance Tariffs to Be Reset Annually; Higher Risk Pricing Tightens for New Drivers

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) will reapprove mandatory motor third-party liability (MTPL) tariffs each August for the following year, using a standardized methodology and refreshed accident data by region. The revised bonus-malus system, launched in May, links premiums to individual driving behavior, lifting coefficients for high-risk drivers and lowering them for careful motorists. Officials flagged steeper premiums for first-time policyholders, particularly in Almaty and Astana, where accident rates and novice driver concentrations are higher.

"Drivers felt these changes in tariffs under the new bonus-malus system launched in May." - Madina Abylkassymova, ARDFM Chair (egemen.kz)

Insurers’ direct loss ratio rose to 76.2% in H1 2025, with total MTPL payouts (50.8 bn tenge) outpacing premium growth (66.7 bn tenge), pushing overall loss ratios above 100% after reserves. ARDFM targets 70% loss ratio this year and plans to set explicit expense and accuracy factors by 2026. Regional tariffs have diverged as digitalized data reveals differing accident rates, while a 54% jump in road accidents in H1 underscores risk pricing pressure and potential market exits if tariffs misalign with losses.

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Watchdog Flags Structural Issues in Wholesale Power and Balancing Markets

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s Agency for Protection and Development of Competition has reviewed the wholesale electricity and balancing markets, identifying several systemic problems that could distort pricing and limit fair competition. While the brief notice does not detail the specific deficiencies, the agency’s focus typically includes market concentration, opaque dispatch and balancing mechanisms, barriers to entry for generators and traders, and potential abuses in settlement procedures. The findings signal possible upcoming regulatory scrutiny and reforms aimed at improving transparency, reducing market power, and aligning incentives for reliable supply. For power producers, traders, and large industrial consumers, any corrective measures may affect tariffs, access to balancing services, and contract structures. Further disclosures from the agency will clarify enforcement steps, timelines, and the impact on market participants and investment planning.

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Central Bank Sets August 23 Tenge Reference Rates Against Major Currencies

Published: 2025-08-23

The National Bank of Kazakhstan published official exchange rates for August 23, setting the tenge’s reference levels against key currencies used in trade and remittances. The tenge stands at 537.75 per U.S. dollar and 626.43 per euro. Regional and trade-partner currencies were fixed as follows: 13.14 per Turkish lira, 6.71 per Russian ruble, and 74.92 per Chinese yuan. The British pound rate is 724.40, while the UAE dirham is 146.41. Among neighboring currencies, the Kyrgyz som is set at 6.15 and the Ukrainian hryvnia at 13.06. These reference rates inform interbank trading, retail conversions, and corporate settlements, offering a snapshot for pricing imports, payrolls in foreign currency, and cross-border transactions on the specified date.

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Pension Outlays Top ₸2.45 Trillion as Base and Solidary Payments Increase for 2025

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan disbursed ₸2.451 trillion in pension payments year-to-date, comprising ₸793 billion in base pensions and ₸1.658 trillion in solidary pensions. As of August 1, 2025, 2.497 million pensioners received an average combined monthly pension of ₸143,097 (₸95,491 solidary; ₸47,606 base). From January 1, 2025, base pensions rose 6.5% (aligned with the National Bank’s inflation forecast), and solidary pensions increased 8.5%, outpacing inflation by 2 percentage points. A multi-year reform is raising the base pension’s floor toward 70% of the subsistence minimum and the ceiling to 120%. For 2025, the base pension minimum is ₸32,360 (70% of the subsistence minimum) and the maximum ₸50,851 (110%). Base pension sizing depends on pension-system service years, incentivizing consistent mandatory contributions.

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Kaspi.kz Discloses 2024 Payouts: Board Compensation Totals ₸91.27 Million

Published: 2025-08-23

Kaspi.kz reported total 2024 payouts to its four-person management board of ₸91,268,400, according to a KASE-filed document signed by CEO and board chair Mikhail Lomtadze. Based on equal distribution, each top manager would have earned slightly over ₸1.9 million per month. The board comprises Mikhail Lomtadze, Pavel Mironov, Yuri Didenko, and Tengiz Mosidze. Local analysts cited in the report characterize the pay level as modest for a leading Kazakhstani fintech, which contrasts with public perceptions of high executive compensation. The disclosure offers rare visibility into pay practices at one of the market’s most profitable and recognizable digital financial platforms, potentially informing expectations around executive remuneration standards and governance transparency in the country’s corporate sector.

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Diplomacy

Jordan’s King Abdullah II to Pay State Visit with Focus on Trade and Cultural Ties

Published: 2025-08-23

Jordan’s King Abdullah II will make a state visit to Astana on August 26–27 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The agenda centers on high-level talks to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural-humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. While specific deliverables were not disclosed, such visits typically pave the way for agreements on pharmaceuticals, agriculture, logistics, and education—areas where Jordan has capabilities and Kazakhstan seeks diversification. The timing aligns with Astana’s broader push to expand Middle East partnerships and attract non-commodity investment. Observers will watch for signals on transport corridors linking Central Asia and the Levant, halal industry standards, and academic exchanges. A successful visit could catalyze sectoral working groups and set the stage for business forums later in the year, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s multi-vector diplomacy and Jordan’s outreach to Eurasian markets.

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Tokayev and Macron Discuss Deepening Trade Ties and Global Agenda by Phone

Published: 2025-08-23

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call at France’s initiative, agreeing to intensify work on expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation and reviewing international issues ahead of the UN’s 80th anniversary. Coverage indicates the discussion builds on Macron’s November 2023 visit to Astana and Tokayev’s earlier state visit to Paris, with a focus on strategic partnership tracks such as transport and energy, according to French readouts reported by Malim.kz. The French side also referenced regional and security topics, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and talks in the South Caucasus. The outreach underscores sustained high-level engagement and signals continued momentum in Franco-Kazakh commercial projects, potentially in logistics corridors and energy diversification, as both governments align their agendas for multilateral forums and bilateral follow-through.

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Astana and Bishkek Deepen Ties with Trade Roadmap, Border Upgrades, and Cultural Diplomacy

Published: 2025-08-23

Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sadyr Japarov advanced bilateral cooperation during an official visit, chairing the 7th High Interstate Council and adopting a roadmap to lift two-way trade to $3 billion by 2030. Priorities include modernizing eight border checkpoints within two years, launching an industrial trade-logistics hub on the border next year, expanding agri-trade (now 25% of bilateral turnover), and pushing joint ventures with supportive investment frameworks. Kazakhstan noted $1.4 billion invested in Kyrgyzstan over two decades. Connectivity and regional initiatives featured, with alignment on transboundary water management, digital government, and support for Kyrgyzstan’s 2027–2028 UN Security Council bid. Cultural ties were underscored with the opening of the “Golden Bridge of Friendship” monument to Auezov and Aitmatov, and a Bishkek school named for Tokayev’s father.

"We agreed to boost trade to $3 billion in five years and will open an industrial trade-logistics complex on our border next year." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

"Kazakhstan is our closest neighbor and a key trade partner; together we can address all issues based on our longstanding harmony." - President Sadyr Japarov (egemen.kz)

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Japan Seeks Deeper Central Asia Ties with Focus on Rule of Law, Decarbonization and Disaster Resilience

Published: 2025-08-23

Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya outlined a push to strengthen engagement with Central Asia, highlighting the “Central Asia + Japan” dialogue he said has anchored regional cooperation since 2004. During an Aug. 25 meeting in Astana with Deputy PM–Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Tokyo aims to expand work on disaster risk reduction, decarbonization, and economic security, building on longstanding investment in Kazakhstan’s energy and infrastructure and ODA-backed health support for nuclear test survivors. Iwaya underscored the region’s rising role as a Europe–Asia trade corridor and the need for coordinated responses to a shifting security environment. He also pointed to Osaka–Kansai Expo 2025 as a platform to deepen people-to-people and commercial links.

"My visit’s main goal is to further strengthen ties with Central Asia and jointly uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law within the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ framework." - Takeshi Iwaya, Foreign Minister of Japan (egemen.kz)

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Astana’s Envoy Visits Astrakhan for Caspian Media Forum, Meets Regional Governor

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Russia Dauren Abayev made a working trip to Astrakhan, speaking at the 10th Caspian Media Forum and meeting the head of Astrakhan Oblast, according to Inform.kz. While specific agenda details were not disclosed, the visit underscores ongoing subnational ties with a key Caspian neighbor where cross-border logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, and port connectivity are longstanding areas of cooperation. Engagement at the media forum also signals a focus on regional information policy and soft-power coordination across Caspian littoral states. The Astrakhan route remains strategically important for Kazakhstan’s access to Russian transport corridors and the Caspian trade network, suggesting continuity in practical regional collaboration even as broader geopolitical dynamics evolve. No official statements or policy decisions were cited in the report.

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Infrastructure

Government Teams Audit Winter Readiness in Ulytau and Aktobe, Report 66–85% Completion on Repairs

Published: 2025-08-23

Government taskforces inspected winter heating preparedness in Ulytau and Aktobe regions following the President’s directive, focusing on heat and power infrastructure repairs and readiness of key facilities. In Ulytau, teams reviewed overhaul work at Zhezkazgan CHP and Satpayev’s heat plant, and checked construction and reconstruction on city trunk heat networks; heat network repairs are 66% complete and power grid repairs 74%. In Aktobe, inspections covered the city CHP, “Batys-2” and “Aktobe City” boiler houses, and Aqtobe Su-Energy Group’s load readiness. Authorities say investment programs are targeting equipment and network depreciation. Aktobe region reports 85% overall readiness for the heating season. The cabinet states preparations remain under heightened oversight to mitigate winter reliability risks for urban networks and industrial customers.

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Gas Processing Buildout Advances with Tariff Shift to Attract Investment

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan is accelerating gas processing capacity, targeting an additional 5.5 bcm/year through new fields and plants tied to Kashagan, Karachaganak, and Zhanaozen. Projects include a 1 bcm/year Kashagan GPP due next year, a second 2.5 bcm/year unit by 2030 with Qatari investors, a up-to-4 bcm/year plant slated for 2028, and the 0.9 bcm/year KazGÖZ in Mangystau by February 2027. Authorities align efforts with the 2029 sector plan and are pushing for cost-reflective tariffs to unlock capital. Expert commentary links chronic underinvestment to low domestic prices and limited export options.

"Our gas market price is very low... Such low prices do not satisfy investors, so they are not eager to process gas." - Nurlan Zhumagulov, oil and gas analyst (egemen.kz)

Gasification stands at 62.4% of the population, with ongoing pipeline expansion and the second line of the Beineu–Bozoy–Shymkent trunkline under construction to bolster southern energy security. Officials signal potential gas price increases of up to 33%, paired with social wallets to shield low-income households, while deeper processing aims to grow value-added exports like polymers and fertilizers as demand could rise 40% by 2030.

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Government Accelerates Power Capacity Buildout with 13 Trillion Tenge Investment Plan

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan is ramping up electricity capacity to meet fast-rising industrial demand, targeting at least 14 GW of new generation over five years through upgrades, new plants, and expanded hydro and renewables. Authorities report 1.3 GW added in 2023–2024, with 621.5 MW expected this year and 2.65 GW in 2025. Flagship projects include a combined-cycle gas plant up to 1,000 MW in Turkistan Region and a 240 MW CHP in Kyzylorda. The government plans major overhauls next year—10 power units, 63 boilers, 39 turbines—alongside 86,000 km of utility network upgrades. Total sector investment needs reach about 13 trillion tenge, largely via private finance, with tailored models per enterprise. Power generation (113 bn kWh) still trails consumption (115 bn kWh), underscoring urgency. Petrochemicals are advancing with $15 billion across six projects, including operational polypropylene output and a polyethylene plant due by 2029. Emerging tech—AI drones and acoustic-resonance robots—aims to cut outages and maintenance costs.

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Western Region Assesses Steps to Bolster Energy Security Along Russian Border

Published: 2025-08-23

A brief report from Oryal highlights the strategic importance of energy security for West Kazakhstan Region, which borders five Russian regions. The piece notes that ensuring self-sufficiency and reducing vulnerability to external supply risks remains a priority, but it offers no specific policies, timelines, or projects underway. For international observers, the emphasis signals ongoing regional planning around cross-border interconnections, resilience of power and heat supply, and diversification of sources. The lack of concrete measures suggests that authorities are in an assessment phase, potentially weighing infrastructure upgrades, local generation capacity, and contingency arrangements with neighboring systems. No official statements, targets, or investment figures were provided in the article.

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Karaganda Upgrades 110 kV Substation to Bolster Power Reliability for Three Industrial Hubs

Published: 2025-08-23

Karaganda is modernizing one of its oldest grid assets—the 110 kV “Karaganda” substation—critical for supplying Karaganda, Temirtau, and Saran. Authorities report 70% of works completed, including installation of two 40 MVA transformers and new switchgear to reduce outages and enable load growth. The upgrade, at a 1948-commissioned facility, is expected to support new industrial and residential connections and improve contingency routing across plants.

"The retrofit boosts capacity and lets us quickly reroute power if a CHP plant has issues, ensuring continuous operation." - Alexey Bocharnikov, Deputy Technical Director for High-Voltage Networks (inform.kz)

Heating readiness is advancing in parallel: at CHP-1 and CHP-3, 26 units are under repair, with five boilers and three turbines undergoing overhauls. Over 400,000 tons of coal—about one month’s supply—are stockpiled. CHP-3, which heats 80% of the city, is adding high-mode water heating units and a new heat output line to stabilize temperatures in severe cold and support city expansion.

"The final phase has given CHP-3 extra capabilities—vital as heat demand grows and new facilities come online." - Flyur Garipov, CEO, Karaganda EnergoCenter (inform.kz)

A new heat network, pumping station, and central heating point in the Oasis microdistrict are 78% complete, with full delivery planned by 2026.

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Astana Advances Construction of New Wastewater Treatment Facility

Published: 2025-08-23

Astana has begun building a new wastewater treatment facility, according to a social media update by Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek, as reported by inform.kz. The project is positioned to expand the capital’s sanitation capacity, addressing rapid urban growth and relieving pressure on existing infrastructure. While detailed specifications, timelines, and financing terms were not disclosed in the brief update, such facilities typically aim to enhance environmental compliance and improve service reliability for residential and industrial users. For businesses, improved wastewater processing can support new developments and reduce operational risks tied to utility constraints. Further information on commissioning dates, capacity, and integration with current networks will be pivotal for planning construction, real estate, and manufacturing projects.

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Turkistan Region Enters Heating Season with Half of Central Networks Degraded

Published: 2025-08-23

Turkistan Region’s centralized heating infrastructure shows significant wear, with 49% of networks classified as depreciated, according to Inform.kz. The figure underscores elevated operational risk as temperatures drop and demand rises. Aging pipelines increase the likelihood of heat losses, emergency outages, and higher maintenance costs for utility operators, potentially translating into service interruptions for consumers and budget pressure for local authorities. For businesses and institutions reliant on stable heat supply, contingency planning and building-level efficiency measures may be prudent. The condition of district heating assets also signals investment needs in modernization, leak detection, and insulation upgrades, aligning with national priorities to reduce energy intensity. No official timeline or financing plan was specified in the report, leaving uncertainty around how quickly upgrades will proceed ahead of peak winter loads.

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East Kazakhstan Drafts Atlas of Sites for Small Hydropower Projects

Published: 2025-08-23

East Kazakhstan region is developing an atlas identifying suitable locations for small hydropower plants, according to local authorities. The mapping effort aims to streamline project planning, accelerate permitting, and guide investors toward technically viable sites. While no capacity figures or timelines were disclosed, the initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader push to diversify its energy mix, reduce grid bottlenecks in mountainous areas, and attract private capital to distributed generation. Small hydropower is often favored in remote valleys where grid extension is costly and seasonal flows can support run-of-river designs. If completed, the atlas could inform feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and grid-connection planning, potentially lowering development risks and costs for independent power producers. No official statements or named quotes were provided in the article.

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Society

Accessibility Drive in Aktobe Lags as 1,300 Sites Slated for Adaptation by 2027

Published: 2025-08-23

Aktobe plans to adapt more than 1,300 facilities for barrier-free access between 2023 and 2027, but implementation remains inconsistent, according to a report by Kazinform. The program aims to improve mobility for people with disabilities, yet gaps persist at building entrances and thresholds, indicating uneven compliance and oversight. The partial rollout suggests challenges in coordinating municipal authorities, building owners, and service providers to meet national accessibility standards. For businesses and service institutions, delays could affect licensing, customer access, and reputational risk as inspections intensify closer to 2027 targets. The situation also reflects broader nationwide efforts to align infrastructure with inclusive design norms, where funding, retrofitting complexity, and enforcement capacity often determine progress. No specific official comments or timelines beyond the stated 2023–2027 window were provided in the article.

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Police Posts Deployed to Guard Major Hospitals in Shymkent After Attacks on Medical Staff

Published: 2025-08-23

Shymkent authorities will station police at key medical facilities—including the No. 1 Clinical Hospital, City Hospitals No. 2 and No. 3, the perinatal center, the city maternity hospital, and the children’s hospital—to deter violence and respond swiftly to incidents. The move follows a rise in assaults on healthcare workers and aligns with a national push to stiffen penalties for violence against medical staff during duty. The city’s health department also requested round-the-clock patrols and oversight at the city infectious diseases hospital, the T. Orynbayev Hyperbaric Oxygenation Center, and the Hadisha clinic, signaling a broader security posture across critical care sites. The initiative reflects tighter coordination between healthcare institutions and law enforcement to safeguard staff and patients, with legal measures expected to reinforce on-the-ground security.

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Police Recover Over 9 Million Tenge After Two-Month Phone Scam Targets Pensioner

Published: 2025-08-23

A pensioner in Aktobe region was defrauded of more than 18 million tenge over two months by scammers posing as eGov and National Security service employees, according to the regional police. The perpetrators convinced her to transfer funds, including proceeds from a recently sold apartment, to a so-called “safe” account after claiming her bank account was under attack. Cyber police traced the apartment-sale cash to Shymkent, where a rapid-response team recovered over 9 million tenge. The case underscores persistent social-engineering tactics exploiting trust in state institutions and the need for verification before transferring funds.

"I worked as a teacher, and I don’t understand how I trusted the scammers… In two days it’s my birthday—this is the best gift of my life. Thank you very much!" - Victim (aikyn.kz)

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Environment

Crop Mix Shifts to Sunflower and Potatoes as Harvest Begins in Karaganda Region

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan is accelerating crop diversification under a government road map to double agricultural output. For 2025, total sown area rises to 23.6 million ha, while grains shrink by 630,000 ha to 16 million ha and wheat falls to 12.3 million ha. Freed land moves to higher-margin crops: sunflower expands to a record 1.8 million ha (up 481,500 ha) and potatoes to 131,200 ha, with organized farms driving the increase. Irrigated areas are being trimmed; cotton totals 144,500 ha (50,000 ha drip irrigated) and rice in Kyzylorda declines to 80,900 ha. In Karaganda Region, harvest has started with a target of about 946,000–1,000,000 tons of grain, including 817,000 tons of wheat, though yields are projected at 10.3 c/ha versus 14.5 c/ha in 2024. Storage capacity is adequate, and subsidized diesel (19,600 tons at 250 tenge/liter) supports the campaign.

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Otabek Hosts First ‘AUYL FEST. Sheepbreeding 2025’ Showcasing Tech, Breeds, and Export Push

Published: 2025-08-23

Oral hosted the inaugural AUYL FEST. Sheepbreeding 2025 on 16 August, drawing nearly 1,000 specialists from China, France, Iran, Hungary, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The West Kazakhstan location underscores the region’s legacy as home to the globally known Edilbay sheep, prized for meat, fat, and resilience. The program combined science-practice conferences, pedigree sheep and hunting dog exhibitions, national sports, wool fashion shows, and agri-tech demos. Organizers highlighted sector targets over the next decade: raising the national flock from 20 million to 25 million, producing 250,000 tonnes of mutton annually, exporting about 30,000 tonnes, and deepening wool and hide processing for foreign markets. Policy signals include 15.3 billion tenge in 2024 support for breeding farms and proposals for RFID livestock tagging, cooperative development, and a new ‘KazSheep Export’ program.

"There is no national development without rural development. Sheepbreeding is a guarantor of rural and public well-being and needs legislative, systemic support." - Serik Egizbayev, Chair of the Auyl party and MP (dknews.kz)

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Innovation

Published: 2025-08-23

Eurasian National University (ENEU) launched a branch on the campus of Osh State University in Kyrgyzstan during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit. The unit will train specialists in ecology, ICT, and services, and offer joint-degree tracks in languages, translation, journalism, and physics. The move formalizes expanding academic cooperation—ENEU already partners with 16 Kyrgyz universities on mobility and dual degrees—and complements new state-backed scholarships for Kyrgyz students, which are set to rise.

"We agreed on several initiatives to bring our young people closer. As a result, ENEU’s branch in Osh is opening. In addition, our government is providing 50 grants for Kyrgyz students, increasing to 60 next year." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

Officials say the branch aims to strengthen human capital and build a knowledge base for sustainable development in Central Asia. Separately, ministers inspected Al-Farabi Kazakh National University’s Bishkek branch, signaling broader bilateral alignment in higher education.

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College Application Deadlines Extended After System Outages; All Portals Restored

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s Education Ministry extended deadlines for college applications and competitive selection following temporary technical failures on the eGov.kz portal and the National Education Database. Authorities report all issues have been resolved and access restored. New closing dates vary by program: 24 August for creative-specialty majors, 25 August for pedagogy and medical fields, and 27 August for mid-level specialist training. The adjustment aims to ensure equal access for applicants affected by high system loads during submission. The ministry published contact points in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and all regions to handle queries, signaling an administrative push to stabilize enrollment amid peak demand and to prevent disadvantage for late filers.

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Graduate Study Grants Awarded for 2025–2026 Intake; Over 20,000 Applicants Contended

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan has published the list of state grant winners for master’s programs for the 2025–2026 academic year, following nationwide competitive testing. Eligibility thresholds were set at 75 points for scientific-pedagogical tracks and 30 points for profile tracks, with more than 20,000 applicants competing. Results are posted on the Science and Higher Education Minister’s Telegram channel, as well as the ministry and National Testing Center websites. University admissions for successful candidates run through 28 August 2025. The release clarifies admissions timing and minimum score criteria, signaling that program capacity and budgeted placements have been allocated for the coming cycle, which may tighten timelines for documentation and visa arrangements for international candidates engaging with Kazakh institutions.

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Teacher Attestation Moves Fully Online via “Ustaz” Platform for 2024–2025

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s 2024–2025 teacher attestation is being conducted entirely online for the first time through the national Ustaz platform, which consolidates data from multiple state registries. Employment history, qualifications, and achievements are aggregated to reduce paperwork and standardize evaluation. Supervisors upload classroom observation checklists to each teacher’s profile and validate results with electronic digital signatures, while data on learning outcomes and professional activities are still entered manually via a dedicated module. More than 635,000 educators across preschool, general, special, supplementary, and TVET institutions are registered; over 94,000 are currently undergoing attestation for the “Pedagog-moderator” and “Pedagog-sarapshy” categories, with decisions issued for about 66,000 (71%). Authorities plan to expand coverage to additional qualification tiers and roll out new platform features in phases.

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Health

Shymkent Expands At‑Home HIV Self-Testing to Accelerate Early Diagnosis

Published: 2025-08-23

Shymkent’s City AIDS Center is promoting rapid HIV self-testing, enabling residents to check their status at home within 15–20 minutes using blood or saliva-based kits. Officials underscore that early detection supports timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy and reduces transmission. The push aligns with Kazakhstan’s 95-95-95 roadmap target that by 2030, 95% of people living with HIV know their status. Authorities plan to broaden access for key populations and those hesitant to visit clinics due to stigma, and they recommend self-testing for spouses of people living with HIV.

"Rapid HIV tests allow people to learn their status in 15–20 minutes and can be used both in medical facilities and for self-diagnosis at home." - K. Mashirov, Acting Head Doctor, City AIDS Center (egemen.kz)

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Medicine Serialization Tightens Oversight as Polpharma Santo Scales Production and Quality Controls

Published: 2025-08-23

Kazakhstan’s largest drug maker Polpharma Santo has fully implemented mandatory digital serialization and aggregation across eight packaging lines, aligning with the nationwide labeling regime introduced last year. The Shymkent plant supplies about 30% of hospital and clinic needs via public procurement and competes with imports on the open market following modernization under the global Polpharma Group since 2011. The Health Ministry now tracks each pack from factory to patient in real time, improving allocation planning and curbing shortages, while the Unified Operator flags stolen or illicitly written‑off medicines. Sales exceed 500,000 serialized packs daily. Executives say $2 million has been invested in equipment and staff upskilling to boost productivity and compliance. Consumers and pharmacists can verify authenticity via Data Matrix codes and the Naqty Onim app, strengthening safety and reducing counterfeit risk.

"Transitioning to labeling is a key step for our plant; serialization reflects high technology, and we’ve invested $2 million in new equipment and training." - Thomas Nomegger, Head of Production Operations, Polpharma Group (egemen.kz)

"Mandatory labeling enhances patient safety and strengthens the fight against illegal circulation, while helping pharmacies manage inventories and respond to demand." - Aigul Sadykova, Acting Head, Medical and Pharmaceutical Control Committee, Shymkent (egemen.kz)

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