BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Kazakhstan has been
invited to become a priority partner and participating country in
the World Bank’s global strategy on digitalization and artificial
intelligence.


According to the Government of Kazakhstan, the invitation was
extended by Sangbu Kim, World Bank Vice President for Digital
Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, following talks with
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.


The program aims to attract investment into the digital economy.
Its standard framework covers digital connectivity and
infrastructure, digital government platforms and identification
systems, data regulation and cybersecurity, digital skills
development, and the expansion of AI ecosystems.


As reported, country-specific digital agreements are tailored to
national priorities. In this regard, Kazakhstan’s digital agenda,
supported by the World Bank, will be aligned with concrete
investment projects and reforms. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov
underlined the government’s readiness to participate in the World
Bank Digital Compact.


During the meeting, the sides discussed further development of
Kazakhstan’s partnership with the World Bank Group in the fields of
digitalization, artificial intelligence, GovTech, and
telecommunications infrastructure development. Particular attention
was given to the “Data Center Valley” project in Kazakhstan.







“The new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, adopted by
national referendum, opens opportunities for strengthening the
economy through technological innovation and accelerated digital
transformation. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the
strategic goal of transforming Kazakhstan into a fully digital
nation. The current year has been declared the Year of
Digitalization and is focused on large-scale implementation of AI
solutions across all sectors of the economy. The national Digital
Qazaqstan strategy until 2029 has been adopted. I would like to
emphasize the significant contribution of the World Bank to
advancing Kazakhstan’s digital transformation agenda. We attach
great importance to the timely implementation of all planned
initiatives,” said Olzhas Bektenov.


It was noted that Kazakhstan is part of Group A in the World
Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) and ranks 6th globally.


For his part, Sangbu Kim praised Kazakhstan’s high level of
digitalization. Key projects highlighted include the development of
data centers, the construction of a subsea fiber-optic cable across
the Caspian Sea, rural connectivity expansion, digital public
services, artificial intelligence initiatives, and technology park
development. The World Bank expressed readiness to support these
initiatives.