At the Digital Almaty-2025 forum, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektanov stated that according to research from the leading IT analytics firm IDC, by 2030, the contribution of artificial intelligence to the global economy is expected to reach nearly $20 trillion, as reported by a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
“Moreover, a GDP growth of 2-3% annually can be achieved solely through AI. This opportunity must be harnessed for the development of our countries' economies,” he noted.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the new era requires swift adaptation in the rapidly changing digital world.
1 “As you may recall, the 1980s marked the beginning of the era of widespread computer adoption, while the 2000s ushered in the age of smartphones and mobile applications. Each of these waves contributed over 7% to global GDP. Today, we are living and evolving in a new era – the era of artificial intelligence,” remarked the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
According to him, three key aspects significantly contribute to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence globally. The first is the development of human capital. The global AI model is rapidly transitioning from a competitive to a cooperative approach. To this end, global leaders in the IT industry are coming together to collaboratively implement their research projects. On well-known platforms, enthusiasts openly share their developments.
2 “They do this for the universal advancement of technology. We must leverage this experience for our own and joint developments,” Olzhas Bektanov stated.
He reminded that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev initiated the creation of a competency ecosystem based at the international artificial intelligence center Alem-EI, which will open in Astana in 2025. This will allow leading IT companies, research laboratories, startups, and educational programs to come together on a single platform for collaborative solution development.
“We propose to unite the efforts of EAEU countries in implementing joint projects in the field of artificial intelligence based at the Alem-EI center. It is also essential to ensure a comprehensive approach to training not only IT specialists but also in the effective use of artificial intelligence in everyday life,” Olzhas Bektanov clarified.
Kazakhstan has set an ambitious goal of training 1 million people in this field over the next five years.
3 “Last year, in collaboration with renowned French educator Nicolas Sadirac, a school for artificial intelligence called Tomorrow School was established in Kazakhstan. The training program there eliminates the need for teachers, as artificial intelligence itself assists in acquiring new skills. Innovative game-based learning methods are also employed at the school. We are pleased to share our experience with such an unconventional approach,” he added.
The second aspect is the development of digital infrastructure and access to technology. As evidenced by advanced global practices, it is no longer sensible to simply expand technological infrastructure, especially considering the tightening export regulations on computing power and the rising costs associated with them.
“For example, Chinese models from companies DeepSeek and Zeroone.ai have demonstrated that large language models (LLMs) can be developed with minimal costs. This showcases the accessibility of developing such technologies. Transitioning to our own LLMs and multimodal models is the next crucial step in advancing artificial intelligence. These technologies will allow us to preserve our cultural values, ensure adaptability of solutions, and enhance data security. They will also enable more accurate consideration of local market characteristics and citizen interests,” the Prime Minister noted.
4 The third element is the formation of an institutional framework for the development of artificial intelligence.
“To achieve this, we have established a new government body in Kazakhstan, the Committee for Artificial Intelligence, and approved a concept that serves as a starting point for developing a national AI strategy. A draft law on artificial intelligence has been developed, aimed at creating a legal foundation for innovation development. This document should also ensure a balance between regulation and stimulation of the AI sector's growth,” he clarified.
An advisory council for the development of artificial intelligence has been formed under the President of the country, which will bring together leading domestic and international experts and facilitate the integration of advanced technologies and experiences in this field.
“To support promising AI startups, a venture capital fund with a target amount of $1 billion has been established at AstanaHub. AstanaHub acts as a regional center for technological progress and innovation, bringing together over 1,500 participants with a total revenue exceeding $1 billion per year. Among them are 150 startups in the field of artificial intelligence, including Kazakh projects such as Higgsfield AI, Cerebra, CodiPlay, Arlan Biotech, Alaqan, and others. The valuation of some of these startups has already reached $100 million,” emphasized Olzhas Bektanov.
As an example, forum participants were shown a short video entirely generated by artificial intelligence, depicting a symbolic transition of a boy on a horse from the past to the future. The Prime Minister highlighted that no actors were involved in the video, which was created by AI based on text input.
5 “At the same time, I want to draw your attention to several aspects of artificial intelligence development that raise justified concerns in society. This includes the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market and the need for retraining specialists. Ethical issues surrounding the use of AI, including manipulation of public opinion and other risks, environmental consequences and energy load, ensuring equal access to AI for different countries and social groups, as well as mechanisms for controlling and managing the development of AI technologies,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Previously, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektanov discussed the implementation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence at an expanded government meeting. He reported that AI is already being utilized in decision-making based on big data in areas such as social protection, ecology, emergency situations, and industry. The President has instructed to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan.