Kazakhstan's IT services exports have shown growth, surpassing $470mn in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 26% increase compared to the same period last year. This was highlighted at a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, where Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev presented the latest figures.
Kazakhstan's IT export sector is on track to meet the goal set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of reaching $1bn in IT services exports by 2026. This surge is largely driven by the dynamic development of Astana Hub, which plays a pivotal role in promoting the country’s IT exports. With over 1,500 resident companies, including 400 international ones, Astana Hub's total revenue for 2024 reached KZT 620bn ($1.2bn), with export income amounting to KZT 227bn ($479mn).
According to Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s IT export reach extends to more than 90 countries. Notably, GovTech products from National Information Technologies have been successfully exported for the first time, including innovative solutions such as the Smart Data Ukimet, Smart Bridge platforms, and the EPIR website builder.
Kazakhstan has become an attractive destination for international IT companies and foreign tech professionals. The country’s favorable environment has led to the relocation of several top IT firms, many of which are now among the country’s leading exporters. As a result, Kazakhstan is not only generating new jobs in major cities but also boosting regional economic development and attracting new investment.
To support the influx of foreign talent, Kazakhstan has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa and Digital Nomad Residency programs. These simplified online procedures enable IT professionals to obtain residence permits more easily. The country currently boasts 20 regional IT hubs, extending the benefits of Astana Hub initiatives to local tech companies nationwide.
Since 2021, Kazakhstan has trained over 114,000 IT specialists, including more than 33,000 in 2024. The TechOrda program, designed to rapidly train IT professionals, has produced a highly employable workforce, with nearly 90% of graduates finding employment. The program has proven cost-effective, with public investments paying off within a year through tax revenues generated by graduates’ employment.
Kazakhstan is also leveraging leading global development programs, including Google for Startups, Plug & Play, Draper University, and Alchemist, to transfer international expertise to local startups. More than $30mn in investments have been attracted, supporting over 70 startups.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan is expanding its international network of IT hubs, with existing hubs in the USA, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK. These hubs provide Kazakhstani startups with access to foreign infrastructure, investment, and export opportunities.
Looking ahead, Kazakhstan is working to establish a $1bn venture investment fund under the Astana Hub and AIFC jurisdiction. This fund, primarily formed through private capital, aims to support regional talent and startups, attract foreign investment, and facilitate the transfer of technology to Kazakhstan through investments in high-tech companies abroad.
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