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Kazakhstan — Daily

Kazakhstan Daily: Tenge holds steady, oil output drops, severe weather alerts expand, and AI revenues surge

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Politics

Draft Rules Tie Pensions and Benefits to Permanent Registration, Tighten Means Testing

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Labor and Social Protection Ministry has proposed Social Code amendments that would pause pensions and benefits for recipients lacking verified permanent registration in state databases. Monitoring found over 108,000 recipients without permanent registration and more than 28,000 with only temporary status. The ministry also plans stricter targeted assistance criteria by factoring household expenditures, loans, deposits, and property, alongside income, and will cap maternity benefits at seven minimum wages while tightening oversight of unemployment aid. Payments to those in full state care—such as residents of social service centers and prison facilities—would be restructured, with 70% routed to institutions and 30% to individuals’ personal needs. Authorities say the measures aim to ensure financial stability of the social insurance system through at least 2032, with adoption targeted for December 2025. The issue of registration-based suspensions is before the Constitutional Court.

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Parliament Approves Tighter AML/CFT Rules, Expanding Scrutiny of Nonprofits and Proliferation Risks

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Senate approved amendments strengthening the regime against money laundering, terrorism financing, and financing of weapons of mass destruction. The law, passed in two readings, expands risk-based oversight and tasks the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) with analyzing suspicious transactions involving non-profit organizations. The package aligns domestic practice with international AML/CFT and proliferation‑financing standards, signaling heightened compliance expectations for banks, payment firms, and entities dealing with high‑risk sectors and cross‑border flows. Legislators say the reform enhances monitoring tools and clarifies obligations for reporting entities, with enforcement expected to tighten following the vote. While the texts highlight FMA’s new analytical role over NPO transactions, detailed secondary regulations and guidance will determine practical effects on charities and international NGOs operating locally. No implementation timeline or additional agency statements were provided in the reports.

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Officials Weigh Potential Increase in Baikonur Lease Payments

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Vice Minister Malik Olzhabekov addressed whether the lease price for the Baikonur Cosmodrome—rented by Russia under a long-term agreement—could be raised. The brief statement signals ongoing discussions around financial terms for the strategic launch site, which remains central to Russia’s space operations and bilateral space cooperation. Any adjustment would have implications for budget planning, operational costs, and joint projects under the Baikonur framework. Details on timelines, negotiation status, or specific figures were not disclosed in the initial remarks.

"We are considering the possibility of increasing the lease price for the Baikonur Cosmodrome." - Malik Olzhabekov, Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry (inform.kz)

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Economy

Tenge Opens September Steady as Exchange Bureaus Narrow Dollar–Euro Spreads in Major Cities

Published: 2025-09-04

Exchange bureaus in Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent reported tight spreads on 4 September, with the cash dollar broadly offered around 539–543 tenge and the euro near 626–634 tenge, according to Kurs.kz. Almaty showed average quotes at 539.29/541.10 for USD and 626.12/630.56 for EUR; Astana hovered at 537.97/543.00 and 624.00/634.00, respectively. Ruble cash rates traded roughly between 6.58–6.74. The National Bank’s official rates closed 3 September with USD/KZT at 540.18, reflecting a marginal uptick, and set 5 September fixings at 540.05 for USD, 629.16 for EUR, and 6.65 for RUB. The alignment between cash quotes and official benchmarks indicates stable near-term FX conditions, while policy continuity—base rate held at 16.5%—supports carry and may temper volatility.

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Oil Output Declines While Refined Fuels Depend on Imports and Market Reforms Advance

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry reported crude production at 1.712 million barrels per day in August, down 48,000 bpd from July, rejecting media claims of an increase (egemen.kz). The “Caspiy” Commodity Exchange analysis shows 2024 oil output at 87.7 million tons (97.1% of plan), refining at 17.9 million tons (100%), and oil products at 14.5 million tons (102.1%), with 2025 plans slightly lower for refining but higher for product output (dknews.kz). Despite steady refining, the country will import in 2025 an estimated 285,000 tons of gasoline, 300,000 tons of jet fuel, 450,000 tons of diesel, and 500,000 tons of bitumen from Russia to stabilize supply. Exports remain strong: 68.6 million tons in 2024, targeting 70.5 million in 2025 via CPC, Atyrau–Samara, Atasu–Alashankou, and Aktau. Market reforms target transparency and curb leakage to higher-priced neighbors, with extended export restrictions into March 2025 and a push to benchmark pricing through exchange trading.

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National Bank Rolls Out ‘Saka Style’ Banknotes to Enhance Security and Showcase Heritage

Published: 2025-09-04

The National Bank has begun a phased introduction of a new banknote series featuring elements of the “Saka style,” a design rooted in the ancient nomadic culture of the region. The redesign aims to strengthen the tenge’s security features while promoting the country’s cultural heritage and history. According to the bank, the updated notes will enter circulation progressively, suggesting a transition period during which old and new series will coexist. For businesses handling cash, this implies upcoming changes in authentication training and potential updates to cash-handling equipment. The move aligns with broader regional trends to refresh currency security against counterfeiting and to embed national identity in banknote imagery. No changes to denominations were mentioned in the initial announcement.

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Government Weighs AIFC Model to Boost Alatau as Investment and Innovation Hub

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s government is exploring the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) model to enhance the investment appeal of Alatau city, positioning it as a regional innovation and finance hub for Central Asia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. The move signals potential adoption of AIFC-style legal, regulatory, and tax frameworks to attract foreign capital and technology firms, aligning with efforts to diversify beyond extractives and develop high-value sectors. Authorities aim to leverage Alatau’s urban development to cluster innovation, financial services, and startups. Details on governance, incentives, and timelines were not disclosed, but the reference to the AIFC indicates a push for internationally recognized standards to reduce risk and facilitate market entry for investors.

"The Government is considering applying the Astana International Financial Centre model to increase Alatau’s investment attractiveness." - Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev (inform.kz)

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Banking Service Rules Updated, Expanding Procedures for Handling Customer Requests

Published: 2025-09-04

The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market approved amendments to the rules governing how banks and organizations conducting certain banking operations provide services and handle client requests, effective 28 August 2025. The update aligns procedural standards across the sector, signaling a push for clearer obligations on complaint handling and service delivery. While specific clauses were not disclosed in the brief notice, such revisions typically affect timelines for responding to client inquiries, disclosure practices, and channels for dispute resolution. The move follows ongoing efforts to improve consumer protection and supervisory oversight in the financial system. Banks may need to adjust internal workflows and customer communications to comply, with potential implications for service-level agreements and documentation in both retail and corporate banking.

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U.S. Trade Mission Explores Investment Projects with Government Investment Committee

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Investment Committee Chair Gabidolla Ospanqulov met a U.S. Chamber of Commerce trade mission led by Senior Vice President Khurshid Choksy to discuss implementing investment projects, expanding bilateral economic ties, and building new supply chains involving American firms. The delegation included more than 25 U.S. companies across technology, energy, infrastructure, finance, and consumer goods, such as Apple, Boeing, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Bechtel, Honeywell, Mastercard, Coca‑Cola, PepsiCo, Meta, Ericsson, John Deere (Eurasia Group), Plug and Play Tech Center, and Mayer Brown. The agenda suggests a focus on diversifying partnerships and anchoring U.S. corporate participation in local value chains. For Kazakhstan, engaging global majors alongside tech ecosystem players signals a bid to attract high-value investment and operational know-how; for U.S. firms, it offers access to Central Asia’s largest economy and regional logistics corridors.

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Income Gap Widens as Top Decile’s Share Rises and Million‑Plus Salaries Concentrate in Oil Hubs

Published: 2025-09-04

Inequality intensified in 2023, with the income gap between the poorest 10% and the richest 10% reaching a record 6.2 times, up from 5.9–6.0 in 2019–2022, according to the National Statistics Bureau. Half of the population receives just 30.2% of total income, while the top 10% takes 24.1%. The “richest” decile spans monthly pay from 181,300 to 1.6 million tenge, indicating a broad middle within the top tier. Among salaried workers (excluding self-employed and small firms), 3.3% earned over 1 million tenge in 2023, versus 6.1% earning up to 100,000. High earners cluster in finance and insurance (13.9%), ICT (12.6%), and professional services (10.1%), and regionally in Mangystau (14.5%) and Atyrau (11.5%). Low-wage shares are highest in Turkistan, North Kazakhstan, and Zhambyl. Spending patterns show both deciles prioritize food (51.7% vs 60.6%), while credit burdens are heavier for the top decile (11.5% vs 3.6%).

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Tenge Strengthens as KASE Daytime Trading Closes

Published: 2025-09-04

The tenge appreciated against the U.S. dollar during daytime trading on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) as of 15:30 on September 4, 2025, according to Zakon.kz. While the brief update notes the completion of the midday foreign exchange session, it indicates a downward move in the dollar’s rate. The session outcome suggests short-term support for the tenge, often influenced by National Bank liquidity operations, fiscal flows, and commodity price dynamics. For market participants, the shift could affect intraday pricing for imports, corporate hedging strategies, and retail FX spreads. Without detailed rate figures or central bank commentary, the magnitude and drivers remain unclear; however, the direction aligns with periodic episodes of tenge firmness observed around tax payment cycles and energy revenue conversions. No official statements were cited in the report.

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Gold Prices Hit Record High as Investors Flee to Safe Havens

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s First Credit Bureau reports gold has surged about 37% since the start of the year, with real gains around one-quarter after inflation. Analysts say the tenge-dollar exchange rate played a limited role, as the dollar strengthened only modestly year-to-date. The rally mirrors a historic high in global bullion prices driven by geopolitical and economic uncertainty, which is pushing investors toward gold as a safe asset. Additional tailwinds include lower U.S. interest rates and a weaker dollar, which typically boost non-yielding assets and make gold cheaper for holders of other currencies. For Kazakhstan, the spike influences retail investment behavior, bank savings products linked to precious metals, and reserve management dynamics, while potentially raising input costs for gold-consuming industries and supporting local miners’ revenues.

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Brussels Audience Marks Renewed Momentum as Belgian FDI into Kazakhstan Tops $1.2 Billion in 2024

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s new ambassador to Belgium, Roman Vassilenko, presented his credentials to King Philippe at Laeken Palace, underscoring a steady upswing in bilateral ties and investment. Belgium’s monarch recalled multiple visits to Kazakhstan and welcomed ongoing reforms, highlighting scope in sustainable development, innovation, and aerospace. Bilateral trade reached $456 million in 2024, while Belgian direct investment inflows to Kazakhstan totaled $1.206 billion last year, bringing cumulative FDI since 2005 to $13.95 billion. Priority areas flagged by the ambassador include green technologies, digitalization, transport logistics, science, and education; 76 Belgian-capital firms currently operate in the country. The sides also discussed multilateral cooperation and international security.

"I warmly recall my visits and see strong potential in sustainable development, innovation, and aerospace cooperation." - King Philippe of Belgium (dknews.kz)

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Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s financial regulator has eased spousal consent requirements for consumer lending. Under a resolution by the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market dated August 28, 2025, borrowers no longer need a spouse’s permission for loans below 3,932,000 tenge (about USD 8,500). The measure also waives spousal consent for any refinancing, regardless of amount. The change streamlines bank procedures and may accelerate credit approvals for households, particularly where documentation from both spouses can delay transactions. For larger new loans above the threshold, banks may still require consent in line with existing marital property rules. Financial institutions will need to update internal compliance and customer onboarding processes, while borrowers should confirm how banks apply the new thresholds to specific products such as unsecured consumer loans and refinancing packages.

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Sovereign Wealth Fund Reports $27 Billion in Foreign Investment Over Six Years

Published: 2025-09-04

Samruk-Kazyna attracted $27 billion in foreign investment over the past six years, according to Chairman of the Management Board Nurlan Zhakypov, who also stated the fund now oversees $82 billion in assets. The disclosure underscores the sovereign wealth fund’s role as a conduit for international capital into state-linked sectors, including energy, transport, and infrastructure. For investors, the figures suggest sustained engagement with large-scale projects and potential continuity in privatization and modernization agendas. Asset growth to $82 billion indicates both portfolio expansion and possible valuation gains, positioning the fund to influence corporate governance reforms and capital market development. While detailed sectoral breakdowns were not provided, the headline numbers signal an emphasis on maintaining foreign partnerships and financing pipelines for strategic enterprises across the national economy.

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Astana Finance Days Opens With Push for FDI and AIFC-Led Deal Flow

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and National Economy Minister Serik Zhumangarin opened the VIII Astana Finance Days, calling the forum a key regional platform connecting investors, business and government from over 70 countries. He highlighted macro momentum: January–July GDP growth of 6.3%, driven by an 8.3% expansion in the real sector and 5.2% in services. In Q1 2025, FDI reached $6.6 billion, up 6.2% year-on-year, while fixed investment rose 16.1% to 9.9 trillion tenge. The government targets doubling the economy by 2029, seeking at least $150 billion in FDI and lifting fixed investment to 23% of GDP, supported by new tools such as investment agreements and a “green corridor” for priority projects. The Astana International Financial Centre counts 4,000+ companies from 85 countries and $17+ billion invested, spanning asset management, fintech, green finance and Islamic banking.

"One of the President’s key tasks is to attract investment. The goal is to double the size of the economy by 2029, requiring at least $150 billion in FDI and raising fixed investment to 23% of GDP." - Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and National Economy Minister (dknews.kz)

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Masdar Signals Broader Investment Strategy Following Talks in UAE

Published: 2025-09-04

UAE-based renewable energy firm Masdar expressed readiness to diversify its investment portfolio in Kazakhstan during a meeting between CEO Mohamed Al Ramahi and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the UAE Rauan Zhumabek. The discussion focused on strengthening energy cooperation and reviewing ongoing bilateral projects. Masdar’s interest suggests potential expansion beyond current renewables engagements into a wider array of energy and infrastructure initiatives, aligning with Kazakhstan’s push to attract Gulf capital into its green transition and grid modernization. The ambassador signaled official backing for new ventures, indicating smoother facilitation for project pipelines and approvals.

"We are interested in diversifying investment cooperation with Kazakhstan." - Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar (dknews.kz)

"Kazakhstan stands ready to support the implementation of investment projects in our country." - Rauan Zhumabek, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UAE (dknews.kz)

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Astana Finance Day 2025 Opens in the Capital

Published: 2025-09-04

Astana has launched the Astana Finance Day 2025 international forum, a flagship gathering for policymakers, financiers, and regulators centered on Kazakhstan’s role in regional capital markets. While official agendas were not disclosed in the brief announcement, the event typically convenes discussions on capital market development, green finance, fintech, and the Astana International Financial Centre’s regulatory innovations. For international stakeholders, the forum often serves as a venue for unveiling investment frameworks and cross-border listings, and for signaling policy continuity in financial sector reforms. The timing underscores ongoing efforts to position Astana as a Eurasian financial hub linking Central Asia with Middle Eastern, Chinese, and European capital. Further updates on participants, policy announcements, and sessions are expected as the forum progresses.

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Satellite Export Deal Targets Nigeria, Congo, and Mongolia with Up to $75 Million Revenue

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Ministry expects $70–75 million in revenue from exporting three satellites to Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Mongolia, signaling a push to monetize domestically developed space assets and expand aerospace partnerships in Africa and Asia. The deal underscores Astana’s bid to diversify high-tech exports and leverage national space engineering capabilities developed over the past decade. While technical specifications and delivery timelines were not disclosed, the announcement positions Kazakhstan as a regional supplier in small and medium-class spacecraft and related services. Such contracts typically involve training, ground segment support, and potential follow-on maintenance, creating longer-term commercial ties with client countries.

"Kazakhstan will earn 70–75 million dollars from exporting three space apparatus to Nigeria, Congo, and Mongolia." - Vice Minister Malik Olzhabekov (inform.kz)

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Ride‑Hailing Fleets Warn of Fare Hikes as Simplified Tax Regime Faces Restrictions

Published: 2025-09-04

Taxi fleet operators say removing the simplified tax regime for companies renting out passenger cars (EKJZh 77111) would push them into the general tax system, sharply increasing costs and triggering fare hikes, bankruptcies, and fewer drivers on platforms. Tax expert Dmitry Kazantsev noted a government list restricting simplified taxation is expected within weeks, adding that measures initially aimed at curbing large firms’ tax arbitrage could unintentionally hit a socially important service. Association data indicate drivers’ net daily income averages KZT 10,000 after rental, aggregator fees, and meals, with daily car rental potentially rising to KZT 22,000 under the change. One fleet’s annual tax bill could jump from KZT 27 million to KZT 176 million, the association estimates, warning VAT exposure would strain leasing-heavy cost structures.

"As a result of the government’s decision, the taxi service, a social sector, may suffer. Prices will rise amid an already tense backdrop of inflation and a stronger dollar." - Dmitry Kazantsev, tax expert (egemen.kz)

"What’s left for a driver—working for KZT 4–5 thousand a day? That’s unacceptable." - Meirambek Abylkassov, President, Association of Taxi Fleets and Courier Services (egemen.kz)

"I see a way to retain or introduce a simplified tax regime for the current activity code used by fleets." - Kaisar Yegizbayev, lawyer (egemen.kz)

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Diplomacy

Mongolian Parliament Speaker’s Visit Deepens Strategic Ties with New Inter‑Parliamentary Pact and Trade Push

Published: 2025-09-04

Mongolia’s State Great Khural Speaker Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan paid an official visit to Astana, where he and Mazhilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov signed a memorandum to expand inter‑parliamentary cooperation. The accord targets political, economic, scientific‑technical, cultural, and digital innovation links, and was paired with a sister‑region pact between East Kazakhstan and Mongolia’s Khovd aimag. Delegations outlined plans for collaboration in AI, digitization, ecology, agriculture, tourism, skills development, and technology transfer, with site visits scheduled to AIFC, Kazakh Invest, and space and digital ministries. Trade and investment talks highlighted logistics, industry, and agri‑projects, and explored production localization and new value chains. Two‑way trade reached $123.9 million in 2024, with a stated ambition to approach $500 million.

"Kazakhstan is Mongolia’s first strategic partner in Central Asia." - Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan, Speaker of the State Great Khural (egemen.kz)

"Our leaders have elevated ties to a strategic partnership, with 11 documents signed during last year’s visit." - Yerlan Koshanov, Speaker of the Mazhilis (egemen.kz)

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Proposal Raised to Allow Visa-Free Travel to Turkmenistan for Residents of Mangystau and Atyrau

Published: 2025-09-04

Lawmakers discussed granting visa-free entry to Turkmenistan for residents of Mangystau and Atyrau during a plenary session of the Mazhilis. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to facilitate cross-border mobility in the Caspian region, where family ties, trade, and transport links connect western Kazakhstan with Turkmenistan. If adopted, the measure could ease short-term travel for business, logistics, and cultural exchange, particularly through maritime and overland routes. However, the report provided no timeline, implementation details, or bilateral agreements underpinning the proposal. Key next steps would likely involve intergovernmental negotiations and legal alignment on border controls and entry categories. No official statements or commitments from named officials were cited in the article, and no quote-worthy remarks were available.

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Infrastructure

Thailand Launches Direct Bangkok–Almaty Flights Four Times Weekly

Published: 2025-09-04

Thailand is introducing direct flights between Bangkok and Almaty, operating four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport said the move is part of ongoing efforts to expand international routes and increase flight frequencies. The new air link is expected to deepen bilateral ties by facilitating business travel, trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange. For Kazakhstan, regular connectivity to a major Southeast Asian hub should enhance corporate mobility and diversify leisure options, while potentially boosting Thai visitor arrivals and cargo flows into Central Asia. The schedule offers consistent week-spread coverage, improving planning for regional connections via Bangkok’s long-haul network. Specific launch dates, carriers, and aircraft types were not disclosed in the announcement.

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Trans-Caspian Corridor Freight Set to Reach 10 Million Tons After Sixfold Surge

Published: 2025-09-04

Freight volumes on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route have expanded sixfold over five years, rising from 800,000 tons in 2020 to 4.5 million tons in 2023, with authorities targeting 10 million tons next. The corridor—linking Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea—has gained momentum as shippers diversify away from traditional northern routes. According to Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, the sustained growth underscores the corridor’s increasing competitiveness for containerized and bulk cargo. The scaling plan suggests continued investment in port capacity, rail interoperability, and customs streamlining across Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, with potential spillovers for logistics operators, exporters, and energy-related shipments. Rising throughput could also pressure infrastructure at Aktau and Kuryk, prompting upgrades and coordinated schedules to prevent bottlenecks. No specific timeline or financing details were disclosed.

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Tighter Rules for Co‑Invested Housing: Only State‑Vetted Developers Can Raise Funds

Published: 2025-09-04

A new law in effect from autumn restricts co-investor funding to state-recognized developers and mandates stricter payment controls. Buyers must sign equity participation agreements registered in the KazReestr system, with all transactions processed via banks. Financial institutions will verify a developer’s eligibility and halt payments if requirements are unmet. Developers can legally raise funds only if they secure a guarantee from Kazakhstan Housing Company, conclude a bank agreement with akimat approval, or complete a building’s structural frame. If a project stalls, co-investors may recover money or housing through three mechanisms, including state-backed completion under a guarantee. Eased eligibility aims to bring smaller firms into compliance: two years’ experience and proof of past construction (10,000 m² in major cities, 5,000 m² in regions). Advertising unfinished complexes is now prohibited, and legality can be checked via eGov or bank apps.

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Kcell and Activ Report Temporary Mobile Service Outage

Published: 2025-09-04

Kcell and Activ customers experienced a temporary loss of mobile service, confirmed by the operators’ press office, according to state news agency Kazinform. The notice indicates a network malfunction affecting both brands under Kcell, but provides no details on cause, scope, or restoration timeline. For businesses reliant on mobile connectivity, disruptions could affect voice calls, data access, and verification services tied to SMS. Operators in Kazakhstan typically prioritize rapid restoration, yet without an official timeline, firms may need contingency plans such as alternative carriers, Wi‑Fi calling, or fixed-line backups. Further updates from Kcell are expected to clarify remediation progress and whether the outage was localized or nationwide, as well as any compensation or customer support measures.

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Society

Prosecutors Flag Surge in Online Fraud as Cases Spike in Pavlodar and Rise in Kyzylorda

Published: 2025-09-04

Prosecutors report Pavlodar region now ranks among the top five hotspots for internet fraud nationwide, with 1,208 fraud cases recorded in the first seven months—up 43% year-on-year. Losses reached 164 million tenge, but just 12 million were recovered. Officials say 86.3% of registered frauds were online, while overall clearance rates remain low (28.1%; internet fraud 17.5%). Incidents grew fastest in Pavlodar city, Terenkol, and Uspen districts, while Akkyuly, Aktogai, and Sharbakty saw declines. Older citizens are disproportionately targeted, with people over 60 comprising 25.9% of victims. Prosecutors recommend mandatory user identification on platforms, enhanced monitoring of suspicious transactions, tighter lending controls, and expanded public cyber hygiene training. In parallel, Kyzylorda police logged 422 online fraud cases this year, up from 222 in the same period of 2023, noting schemes have spread to online gaming environments.

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Multiyear Campaign Launches to Guide Central Asian Labor Migration Safely and Legally

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the UN migration agency (IOM), the Center for Workforce Development, and Kazpost launched an information campaign to promote safe, orderly, and informed labor migration from Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Running from 4 September 2024 to 31 January 2026, the initiative will distribute Kazakh- and Russian-language materials—posters, videos, and online courses—and provide training and consultations via Labor Mobility and career centers. Resources will be hosted on skills.enbek.kz and migration.enbek.kz, covering migrant rights and duties, accessible services, protection mechanisms, and financial literacy. The push follows sustained outflows: 140,521 Kazakh citizens worked abroad in 2024 after 191,000 in 2023, with destinations including Russia, South Korea, Türkiye, the UK, Qatar, and the UAE.

"Labor mobility should be a choice that brings opportunities, not risks. Our aim is to equip migrants with practical knowledge and resources so they feel confident and protected at every stage of migration." - Serhan Aktoprak, Head of IOM Mission in Kazakhstan (informburo.kz)

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Environment

Severe Weather Alerts Expand with Hail, Dust Storms and Overnight Frost Forecast for 4–5 September

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazhydromet issued widespread warnings for 4–5 September, signaling an active weather shift across Kazakhstan. Western regions (Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Aktobe, Mangystau) face heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms and gusts up to 15–20 m/s, with localized squalls. The south and southwest (Turkistan, Kyzylorda) expect dust storms and strong easterlies; extreme wildfire danger persists in multiple southern and southeastern areas including Almaty and Shymkent. Northern, central and eastern regions (Akmola, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Karaganda, Ulytau, Abai, East Kazakhstan) will see rain, thunderstorms, fog, and strengthened winds; ground frost is forecast overnight: up to -2°C in parts of Karaganda on 4 September and around 1°C in northern and eastern East Kazakhstan early on 5 September. Temperatures range from daytime 20–27°C in the north/center to 30–37°C in the south, with nights cooler at 7–13°C in northern belts.

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Innovation

AI Push Accelerates as Astana Hub Revenues Hit KZT 1.2 Trillion and National Programs Scale

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan is intensifying its AI and digital agenda with a dual focus on exports, skills, and infrastructure. Astana Hub, now grouping 1,700+ participants, reported KZT 1.2 trillion in combined revenues and over KZT 140 billion in exports. Nineteen regional IT hubs operate domestically, alongside new outposts in Saudi Arabia, the US, the UK, Dubai, and China, supporting scale-up pipelines with partners such as Google, AlchemistX, Draper University, and Silkroad Innovation Hub. Authorities target $1 billion in IT services exports by 2026 and plan to train 100,000 IT specialists under Tech Orda by 2025. AI enters early education through an MIT-backed curriculum for grades 1–4, expands via national competitions, and reaches public administration with AI Qyzmet. Infrastructure advances include the Alem.AI center, the alem.cloud supercomputing cluster, and the open Kazakh-language model AlemLLM; Aitu is set to become a national digital platform.

"The period of 2024–25 has been one of major initiatives in AI; a concept through 2029 has been approved, and strategies for AI and digital transformation along with an AI bill are in development." - Minister Zhaslan Madiev (inform.kz)

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Cybercrime Losses Rise as Authorities Push Cloud-Based Defenses; Russia Flags Trillion-Ruble Risk

Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan registered over 14,000 cybercrimes in 2024, up 22% year on year, with losses totaling about 6 billion tenge; only 26% was recovered, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office. An interagency council recently reviewed stronger countermeasures, while industry voices urged firms to harden IT infrastructure. VK Cloud representative Stanislav Pogorzhelsky emphasized the role of cloud solutions as companies digitize critical infrastructure and personal data under tighter compliance. He noted a shift to hybrid models—local systems plus cloud services—now used by roughly 60% of companies, citing cost and security advantages.

Russia is also reporting heightened risk: Sberbank’s deputy chairman Stanislav Kuznetsov estimated potential cyberattack-related losses to the economy at 1.5 trillion rubles for the first eight months of 2024.

"Cloud providers assume update responsibilities and reduce risks, making hybrid models more viable for enterprises." - Stanislav Pogorzhelsky, VK Cloud (informburo.kz)

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Published: 2025-09-04

Kazakhstan is accelerating digital transformation across government and the economy, centering on the QazTech national platform and expanded AI adoption in e‑government. Authorities report tangible gains since 2021: over 51.3 billion tenge in efficiency, 28 billion tenge recovered from the shadow economy, and more than 13 billion tenge in budget savings, with 92% of public services available online and delivery times cut twentyfold. Health, education, justice, and transport services are increasingly automated, including telemedicine, electronic sick notes, online school and university admissions, digital notarization, and Europrotocol crash reporting. Infrastructure upgrades advance in parallel: 4G/5G rollout, fiber expansion to 71% of settlements, and official launches or pilots of Starlink and Chinese satellite services to reach remote areas. AI initiatives include a 2029 roadmap, the Alem.AI center, a Kazakh-language LLM, and a regional supercomputing cluster, while Astana Hub scales startups and IT exports.

"Kazakhstan ranks 24th globally in digitalization, and in the top ten for online services; 92% of public services are now online." - Zhaslan Madiev, Minister of Digital Development (egemen.kz)

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Cardiff University Opens First Overseas Campus in Astana, Expanding UK-Kazakhstan Education Ties

Published: 2025-09-04

Cardiff University has launched its first international campus in Astana, the only Russell Group presence in Central Asia, signaling deeper UK–Kazakhstan cooperation in higher education. The opening brought senior officials from both governments and the university. Kazakhstan’s strategy aims to transform local institutions via long-term partnerships and research standards alignment. Starting September 2025, Cardiff University Kazakhstan will enroll students in four-year, English-taught bachelor’s programs delivered by faculty from both campuses under UK quality assurance, with options for inter-campus mobility and modern housing. Cardiff’s credentials include QS 2026 rank 181 and REF 2021 recognition of 91% of research as world-leading or internationally excellent.

"Kazakhstan is evolving into a regional academic hub... Over the last three and a half years, nearly 40 foreign universities have come, with five choosing to open major campuses." - Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education (aikyn.kz)

"This is Cardiff University’s first international campus and the first Russell Group campus in Kazakhstan." - Prof. Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor, Cardiff University (aikyn.kz)

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New AI Education Initiatives Announced with Strategy Targeted Through 2029

Published: 2025-09-04

The government signaled intensified focus on artificial intelligence development, introducing new education initiatives and outlining a strategic horizon through 2029, according to the Prime Minister’s press service reported by Zakon.kz. While detailed program elements were not disclosed, the announcement underscores plans to expand AI-related training and integrate advanced skills into the education pipeline. This aligns with broader regional moves to cultivate local AI talent, diversify the digital economy, and attract investment into data infrastructure and applied research. For international stakeholders, the emphasis on structured AI growth suggests future opportunities in curriculum partnerships, enterprise AI deployment, and public-sector digitization projects. Specific milestones, budget allocations, and governance mechanisms were not provided, leaving open questions on implementation timelines and regulatory frameworks.

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China–Kazakhstan AI Alliance Launches Training Pipeline and Joint DeepBas Model Development

Published: 2025-09-04

A new China–Kazakhstan Artificial Intelligence Alliance will accelerate research–industry collaboration, cross-border tech transfer, and AI deployment across key sectors. Founders include Kazakhstan’s National Academy of Sciences (under the President), Zhejiang University of Technology, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, and Zhejiang Zhonghe Technology. Priorities span a joint lab on spatiotemporal intelligence for sustainability, development of DeepBas—positioned as Kazakhstan’s first large AI language model—an AI services platform for emergencies, ecology, energy, and sustainability, plus integration of satellites, UAVs, sensors, and BeiDou navigation. Over five years, the partners plan to train at least 100 students across bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD tracks and provide annual professional training for 200+ specialists. Applications target environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, transport, and energy security, aligning with Belt and Road–driven scientific and educational cooperation in Central Asia.

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Astana Unveils First Offline AI Supercomputer for Secure Enterprise Use

Published: 2025-09-04

A new autonomous AI supercomputer was unveiled at the EXPO site in Astana, designed to run without internet connectivity to meet stringent data protection needs of government bodies and large enterprises. Built around the MindIA platform, the system integrates multiple neural networks to form teams of digital agents for tasks like compliance checks, procurement specifications analysis, and medical protocol comparisons. Developers say the closed “NeuroBox” architecture keeps all data on-premise, addressing information security priorities.

"We believe we are among the first globally not just to promote such a box, but to bring it into production" - Alexander Pan, founder of Neuro box (inform.kz)

Early pilots reportedly cut a two-week workflow to 4.5 minutes for a project at the Industry Ministry. The launch complements Kazakhstan’s broader compute push, following the July commissioning of an NVIDIA H200-based supercomputer at the Alemcloud National Supercomputer Center and ongoing growth in the country’s IT sector.

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Arts

Beijing Opens First Overseas Cultural Center Showcasing Kazakhstan’s Heritage

Published: 2025-09-04

Beijing has launched the first overseas Cultural Center dedicated to Kazakhstan, positioned in the International Youth Exchange Center’s “21st Century” business complex. The 620 sq m venue features an exhibition hall with over 100 artifacts (including replicas from the Issyk and Berel burial mounds), interactive multimedia, language classrooms, music and creative studios, and a library highlighting works by Abai. Programming will include language courses, masterclasses on dombyra and kobyz, film and arts festivals, and culinary workshops at the on-site “Sandyk” restaurant. The opening follows a 2022 agreement between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and China’s President Xi Jinping to establish cultural centers in both countries, underscoring expanding cultural diplomacy and education exchanges. Planned initiatives include cooperation with Beijing Language and Culture University and exchange programs for young entrepreneurs, scholars, and artists.

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