On September 8, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address, “Kazakhstan in the AI Era: Key Tasks and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation.” The Head of State unveiled an ambitious reform program focused on digital transformation, investment modernization, global connectivity, and institutional renewal.
At the heart of the speech was Kazakhstan’s determination to lead in the era of artificial intelligence. President Tokayev announced the creation of a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, to be headed by a specialist at the level of Deputy Prime Minister. The new body will lead Kazakhstan’s transition to what he described as a “fully digital nation within three years.” The President called for the swift adoption of a comprehensive Digital Code covering artificial intelligence, big data, and the platform economy, and ordered the Government to ensure the full integration of AI across all sectors of the economy.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract concept,” said Tokayev. “It is already influencing people’s worldviews and behavior, especially among the youth. We must be prepared for this reality. Kazakhstan has no alternative but to embrace this transformation.” He also highlighted financial innovations, announcing the establishment of a State Digital Assets Fund to build a strategic crypto reserve and urging the adoption of a new Banking Law by the end of the year to stimulate fintech and attract new players to the market.
Alongside digital transformation, the President focused on investment and economic modernization. He called for a renewal of Kazakhstan’s investment attraction system, noting that excessive bureaucracy had undermined efficiency. “Attracting investments is a priority that requires new approaches,” he stated, stressing that the Prime Minister of the country is directly responsible for overseeing this process. Tokayev also proposed introducing a Regional Investment Attractiveness Index to hold local governments accountable for their economic performance, while urging a rethink of the role of the National Fund. “The Fund’s resources must be used wisely to finance promising projects with high market potential,” he said.
Transport and logistics occupied a prominent place as Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its role as a vital bridge between Europe and Asia. Tokayev announced the imminent completion of the Dostyk-Moyinty two-way railway, a project he described as “of particular importance for the East-West corridor,” and promised timely progress on other key rail links. He stated that by October a unified digital platform for customs and Smart Cargo logistics would be launched, allowing private operators equal automated access to the customs and logistics infrastructure. In aviation, he reiterated Kazakhstan’s strategic ambition to become the leading hub in the Eurasian space, supported by the proposal to create a national freight carrier with foreign partners and to integrate new airports into global logistics chains.
In foreign policy, President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s multivector approach, emphasizing the importance of balance and constructive engagement. He welcomed the outcomes of recent high-level summits, including the United States–Russia dialogue in Alaska and the peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing partnerships with China, Türkiye, Central Asia, the European Union, and the United States. Looking ahead, he stressed the need to reform the United Nations, particularly its Security Council. “The UN still has no substitute,” he said, “but reform is overdue, especially of its key organ, the Security Council.” He added that he would present Kazakhstan’s views on global reform at the next United Nations General Assembly session in New York.
The President also proposed a major institutional reform with long-term political implications. He suggested a transition to a unicameral parliament, and the issue will be decided in a national referendum in 2027. Tokayev insisted that the process must be transparent and consultative: “I am convinced that it is necessary to maintain an open dialogue with the people on issues as fateful as these. Only then will we advance on the path to building a Just and Strong Kazakhstan.”
The President also outlined broader national priorities. These included granting special status to the city of Alatau as a new center of innovation, adopting a new Construction Code by the end of the year, creating a unified map of digital land resources, and pursuing long-term strategies for food security and water management. He called for the ongoing restoration of the Aral Sea, joint efforts to preserve the Caspian Sea, and the accelerated use of advanced water-saving technologies. In social policy, Tokayev urged reform of Kazakhstan’s expansive benefits system to ensure sustainability and fairness, along with measures to strengthen pensions, expand healthcare, and improve financial education. He also emphasized the role of education in preparing the next generation for the AI era, highlighting programs to integrate AI into school curricula and expand digital learning for rural students.
C losing his speech, President Tokayev emphasized the unifying principles of law, order, and patriotism as Kazakhstan navigates global change. “If our people are united and internal conditions are stable, we will overcome all difficulties and face any test,” he stated.
