Kazakhstan Reviews Digitization and Innovation Progress in Six Months
Astana – The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry has made significant strides in the first half of 2024, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service on Aug. 7.
One of the key achievements is the expansion of communication infrastructure in Kazakhstan through the fiber-optic line project. This project has connected over 1,200 rural settlements and 3,700 state institutions to broadband internet, with the installation of more than 20,000 kilometers of new lines greatly enhancing connectivity. Additionally, the launch of 918 5G base stations in 20 cities and the provision of broadband internet to 4,800 rural areas have improved service quality and reduced fraudulent activities.
The digitization of government services has also seen significant progress, with 93.3% of all government services now provided electronically, of which 86% are available on smartphones. The eGov Mobile application and other external platforms have facilitated the delivery of 35 million services in the first half of the year, showcasing the high level of digital transformation in Kazakhstan.
Moreover, Kazakhstan has placed a strategic emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, establishing the AI and Innovation Development Committee to create a full-fledged AI ecosystem. The government has adopted the AI Development Concept for 2024-2029 to foster innovation through a national AI platform and the Alem.AI Center at the Nur-Alem Museum, focusing on training specialists and developing AI startups.
In terms of international cooperation, Kazakhstan has collaborated with the World Bank and international organizations to support local startups and introduce cutting-edge solutions to various economic sectors. The country is also actively engaging with American and Asian companies, with over 20 Kazakh startups in representative offices in Southeast Asia and Riyadh receiving assistance to enter international markets. Partnerships with organizations like Google Accelerator are strengthening Kazakhstan’s integration into global innovation ecosystems.
Furthermore, the aerospace industry in Kazakhstan has seen key developments, including signing a protocol amending the intergovernmental agreement on creating the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex. Agreements with China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are expected to boost technical and economic cooperation in the IT sector.
Kazakhstan has also made progress in geodesy and cartography, with digital topographic plans created for 915 settlements and the coverage with digital topographic maps at a scale of 1:25,000 increasing to 85.6%. Plans are in place to reach 92.52% by the year-end, further advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Overall, Kazakhstan’s achievements in the IT and aerospace industries demonstrate the country’s commitment to digital development and innovation, as well as its efforts to strengthen international cooperation in these sectors.
