BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 3. Rapid AI adoption
is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s integration into regional
and global value chains and enhance competitiveness, the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its report Harnessing
Artificial Intelligence’s Potential in the Middle East and Central
Asia.


According to the Fund, Kazakhstan has moved beyond early
digitalization initiatives, such as e-government, toward a
comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) strategy based on the
Concept for Artificial Intelligence Development for 2024-2029.


“The National AI Strategy will cover governance, infrastructure,
human capital development, and public policy, to position
Kazakhstan as a regional digital hub,” the IMF said.


The Fund noted that Kazakhstan has established a dedicated
governance framework for AI, including a new law, ministry, and
advisory council. The AI Law, which entered into force on January
18, 2026, provides the basic legal framework for AI, including the
classification of systems by risk level and standards for safety,
transparency and privacy.


The IMF also highlighted Kazakhstan’s investment in AI-related
human capital. In 2026, the government allocated nearly 10 billion
tenge (about $23 million) to 62 AI projects implemented through
research institutions and universities. The government aims to
train about 1 million people in AI skills over the coming
years.







AI applications are being introduced across most sectors of the
economy, the Fund said. In the extractive sector, AI is used for
predictive analytics, resource monitoring and operational
automation, while utilities are developing AI tools for predictive
maintenance and more efficient energy distribution.


Recent IMF research found that Kazakhstan is ahead of most
emerging markets and low-income countries in terms of AI
preparedness, although gaps remain compared with advanced
economies, particularly in regulation and innovation.


Kazakhstan ranked 60th out of 195 countries in the 2025
Government AI Readiness Index, up from 76th a year earlier, making
it the leading country in Central Asia, according to the
report.