AGP Executive Report

Digital Finance: Tether has signed an agreement with Kazakhstan’s National Bank and Alatau City Authority to explore a tenge-backed stablecoin and tokenized assets. Nuclear Safety: A new center, opened with U.S. support, will track radiation data and coordinate responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies. Caspian Watch: A newly exposed island highlights the sea’s retreat: water levels in Kazakhstan’s sector have fallen nearly 2.5 metres in about 30 years. Kazakhstan is developing a regional protection program, while Japan is funding Caspian monitoring and the country plans six Earth-observation satellites. Industrial Tech: Kazakhstan aims to introduce digital twins at 60% of major enterprises by 2028, including in the oil sector, and plans to launch a Trans-Caspian fibre-optic link this October. Materials Research: Scientists at the Zh. Abishev Institute are developing ways to make ferrotitanium from domestic raw materials for steel production.

Plague Scare & Border Response: A Russian lab worker’s death in Irkutsk sparked global alarm over possible pneumonic plague, but Russia and WHO say there’s no confirmed outbreak or sustained person-to-person spread; still, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan tightened health checks at borders and airports after quarantine measures for about 200 contacts. AI Governance in the Region: Bangladesh? (No) ICT minister Faqir Mahbub Anam urged trust-building and international cooperation for responsible AI in public services at an interregional conference in Istanbul. Nvidia Power Shift: Nvidia’s Nico Capraz, tied to Jensen Huang’s family circle, is highlighted as a key power broker in AI infrastructure deals. Kazakhstan Space & Earth Observation: Kazakhstan plans six new Earth observation satellites (three high- and three medium-resolution) to expand monitoring and support exports. Digital Twins for Oil: Kazakhstan’s energy sector is scaling digital twins to boost output and cut fuel use, including pilots at KazMunayGas fields. Oman–Kazakhstan Deal Push: Sultan Haitham’s first state visit to Astana produced agreements and MoUs spanning energy, transport, logistics, AI, and investment, with talk of an Oman-to-Indian Ocean trade corridor.

Oman–Kazakhstan Deal Push: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met President Tokayev in Astana and the sides signed five agreements plus 10 MoUs spanning energy, mining, transport, food security, tourism, technology, AI, and finance, including investment protection and an Oman–Kazakhstan business council. Digital Energy Twins: Kazakhstan’s Digital Qazaqstan drive is scaling digital twins in oil and power to cut fuel use and losses, with pilots already targeting up to 2.9 mln tons of extra oil and major reductions in accidents. Smart Cities Rollout: The government plans AI-based smart city solutions nationwide, aiming to raise coverage from about a quarter of urban residents to 50% by 2027 and 70% by 2028. Air Taxi Plans: Kazakhstan is moving from drone pilots to commercial air taxi flights in 2028, with legislative steps and demonstration flights already completed. Plague Scare Response: After a Russian lab worker’s death in Irkutsk sparked global concern, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states tightened border health checks and monitoring while Russia’s watchdog says tests found no plague-linked pathogen. Astana AI Film Festival: Kazakhstan’s first Astana AI Film Festival awarded a $450k Grand Prix to Latvian filmmaker Nikolay Shestak for an AI-created film. AI Governance Talk: Kazakhstan backed international AI governance frameworks and pushed ideas for global AI regulation, including proposals for UN-level action.

AI & Education in Kazakhstan: President Tokayev backed the “Washington model” for AI safety and urged AI-based lessons in secondary schools, while also proposing a UN global AI convention and calling for human-centred AI that doesn’t create new dividing lines. Digital Bridge momentum: At AI & Digital Bridge 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan signed 60+ new contracts and pushed AI/digital infrastructure, including attracting foreign tech talent. Industrial AI still stuck in pilots: A Kazakhstan study found most factory AI projects remain experimental, mainly due to skills gaps and integration costs. Tech cooperation deals: Kazakhstan and Georgia agreed on e-government/ICT cooperation, while Firebird AI and other partners advanced data-centre plans. Energy & transport tech: Kazakhstan plans to expand oil refining to 39m tonnes/year and is working on Caspian high-capacity rail ferries. Public health shock: A suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia’s Irkutsk triggered border health checks across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan’s strengthened monitoring.

Space Security Opacity: The US says it has deployed “on-orbit space control weapons,” but details on types and targets remain unclear, while experts point to a wider counterspace landscape across multiple countries. Public Health & Borders: Kazakhstan is monitoring a suspected plague case in Russia’s Irkutsk; health officials say imported risk looks low, but sanitary and quarantine controls are active at border crossings. Digital Government Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s NITEC and Georgia’s e-government bodies signed an ICT cooperation MoU to expand e-government and digital transformation work. AI & Data Centers: Nvidia VP Rev Lebaredian met Kazakhstan’s president; the sides discussed AI and computing infrastructure, including supercomputer clusters. Transport Digitalization: Kazakhstan’s Digital Trade Corridor platform links rail systems via a single-window approach, cutting cargo transit times and adding GPS train tracking plus satellite internet on remote routes. Energy Storage Tech: China connected a 100-MW compressed CO2 storage project to the grid, highlighting fast-response grid balancing. Kazakhstan Tech Deals: Kazakhtelecom/KT-Telecom/FireBird AI signed to build a data centre; Firebird AI also agreed on a data centre project. AI Governance Push: The US and 16 countries endorsed the “Kyoto Vision for a Golden Age of Science,” aiming to boost AI-enabled research access and new funding models.

AI & Science Diplomacy: The US and 16 countries endorsed the “Kyoto Vision for a Golden Age of Science,” aiming to boost research with advanced computing, wider AI access, and new funding models—Kazakhstan is listed among endorsers. Kazakhstan AI Push: Astana’s AI & Digital Bridge 2026 wrapped up with winners like eGov.GPT (GovTech), Higgsfield AI (international breakthrough), and Aventa/QazCode (corporate transformation), while leaders reiterated that AI should complement human intelligence. Industrial AI for Mining: NVIDIA is pitching “digital twins” and Physical AI to Kazakhstan’s mining and manufacturing to cut downtime and fuel use by simulating operations before changes go live. Data Centers & Ecosystem Building: Kazakhstan is moving toward a larger AI computing push, including plans tied to Data Center Valley and broader national AI ecosystem development. Energy & Trade Tech: UAE-Kazakhstan talks highlighted AI and digital transformation alongside infrastructure and transport, including a Central Asia–South Asia railway MoU. Energy Markets: OPEC+ reportedly agreed to keep November oil targets steady; separate reporting says Kazakhstan plans to increase oil supplies to Germany. Space & Research: China’s Shenzhou-23 crew continued space science experiments and station maintenance, while Kazakhstan archaeology research points to using cave sediments and ancient DNA to study past populations.

AI for Science & Computing: The US and 16 countries backed Japan’s “Kyoto Vision” to use “super intelligence” for faster scientific discovery, wider researcher access to advanced computing, and new science funding models. Kazakhstan AI in Culture: Astana’s AI Film Festival crowned Kazakh filmmaker Myrzakhan Zhumakhan (Best Character) and highlighted how AI is lowering barriers for small creative teams; President Tokayev also urged responsible AI that complements humans. Digital Infrastructure Push: PM Bektenov said Kazakhstan’s Digital Nomad program has drawn 1,500+ IT applicants from 30 countries, while Data Center Valley targets up to 1 GW capacity with “data embassy” and cloud-first principles, with NVIDIA named as a key partner. Industrial AI & Simulation: NVIDIA is pitching digital twins and Physical AI to Kazakhstan’s mining and manufacturing to cut downtime, fuel use, and pre-construction errors. Energy & Connectivity Deals: UAE signed a MoU with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for the Central Asia–South Asia railway project; Kazakhstan also plans to increase oil supplies to Germany. Research & Heritage: New cave DNA-focused work in southern Kazakhstan aims to reconstruct ancient human adaptation even when bones don’t survive.

AI & Digital Bridge 2026: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev opened the Astana forum stressing AI must complement people, not replace them, and backing a “Washington model” for safe, responsible cross-border AI that could feed into a UN-backed treaty. National AI Roadmap: Deputy PM Zhaslan Madiyev outlined a full-stack AI ecosystem plan—computing, data centers, connectivity and satellite tech—balanced with ethical safeguards, while also pointing to fast-growing Kazakh AI firms like Higgsfield. Data Center Valley: PM Bektenov said Kazakhstan’s Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz is under construction, aiming up to 1 GW capacity, with cloud-first and a “data embassy” mechanism; NVIDIA is named as a key partner. Energy + AI R&D: Kazakhstan plans three joint R&D centers in energy, applied AI and digital data storage with Chinese university and industry partners. Digital Talent Push: Kazakhstan’s digital nomad program has attracted 1,500+ IT specialists from 30 countries. Industry News: Carlsberg Kazakhstan opened a $344M non-alcoholic beverage plant in Almaty region with up to 1B liters annual capacity. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Astana Hub signed four partnership deals to boost startups and AI cooperation with Uzbekistan and others.

AI & Digital Bridge Awards: Kazakhstan handed out AI & Digital Bridge 2026 prizes, with eGov.GPT winning GovTech Project of the Year and Higgsfield AI taking International Breakthrough, highlighting homegrown models and public-service automation. National AI Rollout: PM Bektenov says Kazakhstan is ready for large-scale AI deployment, backed by constitutional digital rights, a Digital Code, and a Data Center Valley plan targeting up to 1 GW in Ekibastuz. Energy + AI R&D: Kazakhstan will set up three R&D centers with partners from China, including renewable energy, applied AI for energy/industry, and digital data storage tech. Responsible AI Governance: Tokayev urged AI to complement—not replace—human intelligence, and backed the “Washington model” for safe AI, aiming to shape global rules via G20. Talent & Infrastructure: Kazakhstan’s digital nomad program has drawn 1,500+ IT specialists from 30 countries, while Astana Hub signed startup partnership deals to expand AI and cross-border innovation. Industry Watch: Carlsberg Kazakhstan opened a $344M non-alcoholic beverage plant in Almaty region, boosting local sourcing and regional supply. Regional Tech Context: A week of coverage also pointed to rising AI investment pressure on cash flow, as Nvidia, Microsoft, and Micron report strong results.

AI & Digital Policy: Kazakhstan is pushing a “human-centred” AI agenda, calling for risk-based regulation and an AI Challenge tied to real industry needs, while stressing international tech cooperation and safeguards. AI Infrastructure: The Data Center Valley project in Ekibastuz is drawing major interest, with plans for 300 MW capacity and expansion toward 1 GW, plus NVIDIA’s involvement in the next phase. Regional Digital Integration: Central Asia is drafting proposals for a unified digital space, including harmonized e-docs, digital ID, personal data protection, cybersecurity, and AI oversight, plus a non-binding AI ethics code and shared language datasets. Water Tech: Kazakhstan commissioned QazSu, a national digital water resources system built with EDB support, to improve monitoring and decision-making. Space & STEM: Two Central Asian student-linked satellites reached orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission—Kyrgyzstan’s Earth-observation satellite and Kazakhstan’s NIS PocketQube. Cybersecurity Funding: The U.S. committed $5m for cybersecurity and digital-sector support across Central Asia, with grants also for AI-related startup projects. Sports Governance: WADA’s Executive Committee will meet in Astana in late November ahead of the 2027 Anti-Doping Code. Industry & Jobs: Carlsberg Kazakhstan opened a $344m non-alcoholic drinks plant near Almaty with up to 1bn liters annual capacity.

AI & Digital Bridge 2026: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged Kazakhstan to use AI responsibly—serving humanity, avoiding new divides, and pairing innovation with risk-based rules—while highlighting the Qazaq AI Research University and the AI+X model to push practical AI in industry, energy, healthcare, finance, and public services. Data Center Valley: Tokayev met NVIDIA leadership and backed the next phase of Ekibastuz’s Data Center Valley, targeting ~300 MW now and up to 1 GW later, with NVIDIA and Firebird agreements and new AI infrastructure momentum. AI in culture: Astana hosted the International AI Film Festival’s final program, featuring 25 finalists made with generative AI tools from 125 countries. Solar expansion: Kazakhstan secured DBK financing for a new Kyzylorda solar park adding 70 MW, with phased builds and energy storage to stabilize output. Space news: SpaceX’s Crew-13 docked at the ISS in a record-fast 7h55m after launch. Education & skills: Kazakhstan ranked 55th in Coursera’s AI-Human Skills Synergy Index, citing the AI-Sana program to integrate AI learning into universities.

Kazakhstan–Denmark Tech Transfer: A business forum in Kazakhstan focused on practical joint projects and technology transfer with Denmark, targeting logistics, water management, agriculture, pharma and energy, with Danish firms already active locally. AI & Digital Governance: President Tokayev reviewed AI and digitalization initiatives, while a C5+1 conference in Astana brought together governments and tech firms to discuss AI security, reliability and cooperation. Defense Tech: OKSI unveiled custom “Intelligent Seekers” for missile platforms, designed to autonomously acquire and engage targets in GPS-denied electronic warfare environments. Energy & Renewables Finance: The Development Bank of Kazakhstan backed a phased solar build in Kyzylorda (70 MW total), adding energy storage to smooth grid output. Space & Satellites: Kyrgyzstan plans its first national satellite launch on Oct 1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, aiming for low Earth orbit. Kazakhstan–Germany Deepening Ties: Tokayev pushed Bavaria cooperation in advanced manufacturing, critical materials, microelectronics and logistics, including a proposed semiconductor partnership program. Agriculture Modernization: Kazakhstan and Germany agreed to expand agricultural trade and investment, with more German tech and localized production. Research & Culture: A Cambridge exhibition and conference highlighted Kazakhstan’s Botai heritage and broader Eurasian archaeological links.

Kazakhstan–Germany Tech Push: President Tokayev’s Munich meetings put industrial digitalization and high-tech cooperation front and center, with Siemens talks on modernizing Qarmet equipment and expanding industrial AI, electrification, smart infrastructure and even medical tech. Deep-Processing & Industry: Kazakhstan and Aurubis discussed copper deep-processing, recycling and extracting associated metals, while Tokayev also backed Linde’s up to $500m portfolio, including a new Temirtau air separation plant and hydrogen/carbon-capture plans. Semiconductors & Critical Materials: Tokayev proposed a Bavaria “Chips Alliance” partnership focused on power electronics, sensors and automated controls, plus joint semiconductor and logistics hubs along the Trans-Caspian route. Education & AI Skills: Turkistan broke ground on a new Woosong University Kazakhstan campus building, and Kazakhstan’s AI-Human Skills Synergy Index ranking highlighted progress from AI-SANA training with universities and educator upskilling. Digital Policy in the Region: An Astana roundtable drafted a Central Asia digital policy and AI governance agreement aimed at mutual recognition of electronic documents and closer alignment on data, cybersecurity and AI rules. Infrastructure Connectivity: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the UAE signed an MoU to study the CASA railway corridor, with technical and financial work and a possible working group.

Kazakhstan–Germany Tech Push: Kazakhstan and Germany signed a joint declaration and more than 30 commercial deals worth about $2B, with a 2026–2028 roadmap covering critical minerals, energy, transport, digital tech, and education. AI & Digital Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s AI and digital development ministry signed cooperation pacts with Siemens (digital transformation and industrial AI), Nextcloud (digital sovereignty/open-source), and Fraunhofer (industrial AI and R&D via Alem.AI), while Cyprus plans an AI-focused visit to Astana. Cybersecurity Funding: The U.S. allocated $5M to Central Asia for digital sector development and cybersecurity, including training and protection of critical infrastructure. Innovation Index: Kazakhstan climbed to 73rd in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2026, its best result in a decade. Industry Science: Kazakh researchers developed a new ferrotitanium production approach using local ilmenite and coal, aiming for more efficient mineral processing. Water & Agriculture Skills: Turkistan region will set up a water management school for farmers to scale water-saving irrigation practices. Earth & Climate Research: A Kyrgyz-Chinese lab for extreme climate events opened in Bishkek, and a 4.2 quake shook Almaty with evacuations but no reported damage.

Kazakhstan–Germany Push: President Tokayev met Germany’s Steinmeier and later Chancellor Merz in Berlin, signing a joint declaration and focusing on industry, critical minerals, transport/logistics, digitalization and education; Tokayev also highlighted 45 Kazakh universities working with ~100 German partners and plans to shift Kazakhstan toward becoming a Eurasian academic and research hub. AI + 6G Vision: AI expert Merouane Debbah says 6G will “connect intelligence,” sensing environments and coordinating AI agents in real time. Local Tech R&D: Kazakh scientists developed a new ferrotitanium production approach using low-grade ilmenite and high-ash coal, aiming for higher titanium content and more efficient mineral processing. Satellite Connectivity for Remote Areas: VEON’s Beeline Kazakhstan launched Starlink Mobile direct-to-cell service for smartphones in dead zones, targeting mountains and disaster-hit regions. Cybersecurity Funding: The US pledged $5M for Central Asia’s digital sector and cybersecurity, including training, incident response and protection for critical infrastructure. Robotics in Healthcare: Almaty Cancer Center performed Kazakhstan’s first robot-assisted stomach surgery using ICG navigation and minimally invasive recovery benefits. Education Mobility: Malaysia and Central Asia held MAHEF 2026 in Astana; Kazakhstan–Malaysia student applications rose 45%, with more transnational education partnerships planned. Space Tech in the Region: Kyrgyzstan plans to launch a domestically built nanosatellite for crop monitoring and early drought detection.

Satellite Connectivity: VEON’s Beeline Kazakhstan, with Starlink Mobile, launched Direct-to-Cell satellite-to-smartphone service for areas without terrestrial coverage, starting with free trials via the Janymda super app. AI & Cybersecurity: Kazakhstan hosted a major cybersecurity conference on cyber resilience, while U.S. officials at C5+1 linked trusted digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to unlocking Central Asian investment. Digital Rules for the Region: Central Asian states discussed making digital markets more compatible and drafting a framework for digital policy and AI governance that keeps national sovereignty. Kazakhstan–Germany Tech Push: President Tokayev proposed a Kazakhstan–Germany investment and financial platform and joint critical-minerals production chains, aiming to move from raw materials to full value-added manufacturing. Water Innovation: Kazakhstan and Germany advanced plans for a “water hub” focused on technology cooperation, digitalization, and joint innovation in water management. Agriculture Tech: Researchers proposed updated irrigation management that adapts watering to crops and growth stages, while harvest updates point to strong grain progress and a push for record oilseed output. Energy & Finance Links: The World Bank said it backs Kazakhstan with over $8bn across 50+ projects, emphasizing infrastructure financing plus regulatory reforms.