Turkic Women’s Cooperation Academy launched in Kazakhstan with USD 500 mln investment fund access

The Turkic World Academy is designed to foster joint ventures and expand export cooperation among women entrepreneurs in Turkic countries.

The initiative gained support from the Organization of Turkic States and the OTS Council of Turkic Women Entrepreneurs. The Academy will serve as an integrated platform for creating joint enterprises and developing export cooperation between women entrepreneurs of the Turkic countries.

The key is that participants gain access to the Turkic Investment Fund, with capital of 500 million US dollars.

It was highlighted women play a significant role in the regional economy. Women lead some 48% of small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan, about 40% in Uzbekistan, and 24% in Azerbaijan. However, many of them face barriers when trying to scale their businesses and enter international markets.

During the first year, it is expected to engage over 1,000 participants from at least 100 companies focused on joint export projects, and promote technology exchange and regional branding.

Lazzat Ramazanova, Chair of the OTS Council of Women Entrepreneurs, emphasized that cooperation is the most effective way for small businesses to scale and meet international market demands.

The Turkic World Academy brings together women entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye, contributing to cooperation, not competition. She prioritized four directions for cooperation, such as the agro-industrial complex, light industry, IT and transborder trade.

The initiative is seen as a step toward deeper economic integration among Turkic states, while also strengthening women’s role in regional development. International tech companies and banks were invited to join new women-led business alliances.

The Global Forum New Vision 2026 is taking place in Almaty from June 11–13, bringing together international thought leaders including Don Tapscott, John Kehoe, and José Manuel Barroso.

As previously reported, Turkistan hosted the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on May 15. The main topics were artificial intelligence, digital development, and strengthening regional cooperation.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan emphasized the important role of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi as a symbol of the spiritual unity of the Turkic world.

President Tokayev also announced the establishment of a Center of Turkic Civilization in Turkistan.