World Bank invites Kazakhstan to join its Digital Compact global strategy

The sides discussed Kazakhstan's continued partnership with the World Bank Group in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence, GovTech, and telecommunications infrastructure development, with special attention given to the Data Center Valley project in Kazakhstan.

Asset Irgaliyev, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, as well as vice ministers of artificial intelligence and digital development, national economy, and finance attended the meeting.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined the strategic goal of transforming Kazakhstan into a fully-fledged digital country. This year has been declared the Year of Digitalization and is focused on the large-scale implementation of AI solutions across all sectors of the economy. The 2029 National Strategy ‘Digital Kazakhstan’ has been adopted. I would like to highlight the World Bank’s significant contribution to advancing Kazakhstan’s digital transformation program. We attach great importance to the timely implementation of all our initiatives set,” Bektenov said.

Kazakhstan is ranked in Group A of the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) and holds sixth place globally. Kazakhstan and the World Bank are currently implementing several joint initiatives aimed at developing human capital in AI and accelerating digital transformation to foster inclusive economic growth.

World Bank’s Vice President for Digital Technologies and AI Sangbu Kim praised the high level of digitalization in Kazakhstan. Among the key projects mentioned were the development of data centers, the construction of a fiber-optic cable along the Caspian Sea bottom, the expansion of connectivity in rural areas, digital government services, artificial intelligence, and technology park initiatives. 

"The World Bank is ready to support these initiatives," Sangbu Kimsaid.

He also noted that the country has a well-developed mobile communications network, a robust e-government platform that delivers high-quality public services, a strong private sector ecosystem, and an effective national strategy and policy framework. He also highlighted the recent adoption of a new AI law.  

He said he was delighted to begin working from such a solid foundation.

At the same time, Sangbu Kim emphasized, emerging challenges in the field of artificial intelligence make the task a complex one for all stakeholders.

Following the meeting, Sangbu Kim invited Kazakhstan to become a priority partner and a participating country in the World Bank’s global strategy on digitalization and artificial intelligence.

The goal of the program is to attract investment in the digital economy. The typical areas of the agreement cover digital connectivity and infrastructure, digital government platforms and identification, data regulation and cybersecurity, digital skills, and the development of the AI ​​ecosystem.

Country Digital Compacts are tailored to a country’s national priorities. Thus, Kazakhstan’s national agenda, with the support of the World Bank, will be aligned with specific investment projects and reforms.

Prime Minister Bektenov thanked Sangbu Kim and the World Bank team for supporting Kazakhstan’s initiatives in the field of digital transformation and emphasized the Government's readiness to participate in the World Bank program.

Earlier, it was reported that the Kazakh Government, Firebird, and NVIDIA signed a $10 billion package of agreements in AI.