President Tokayev Urges Accelerated Digital Transformation Under Digital Qazaqstan Strategy

Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday held a working meeting at the Akorda presidential residence to review progress on the Digital Qazaqstan project, emphasizing the need to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence across all sectors of society.

Speaking during the meeting, President Tokayev noted that significant work remains to be done under the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, which he declared earlier this year. He stressed that the widespread implementation of advanced technologies and AI is a key objective for Kazakhstan’s future development.

The president highlighted the importance of creating a favorable institutional, legal, and business environment to support digital innovation. He noted that Kazakhstan was among the first countries to introduce modern and flexible digital regulations, including the adoption of the Digital Code and the enforcement of a Law on Artificial Intelligence. However, he emphasized that these steps mark only the beginning of a broader transformation.

Tokayev underlined that the world is entering a period of rapid technological change, requiring continuous updates to the regulatory framework. He called for the development of a clear and unified concept of a “digital state” that reflects the real needs of citizens and businesses.

The president also pointed out several pressing challenges that require immediate solutions, particularly the need to accelerate the digitalization of public administration. While more than 90 percent of public services in Kazakhstan are already available online, he said that interdepartmental information systems still lack full integration into seamless processes.

Tokayev stressed that speed and service quality must be prioritized and urged a fundamental restructuring of internal administrative procedures to eliminate excessive bureaucratic approvals. He remarked that digitalization and bureaucracy are “incompatible like ice and fire,” calling for modern technologies to replace outdated administrative practices.

The president warned that the rapid development of artificial intelligence demands urgent action to ensure Kazakhstan remains competitive in the digital era.

To advance this transformation, Tokayev instructed the government to undertake a deep overhaul of public administration. The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development was assigned the role of supervising and coordinating the process.

He further directed the ministry to lead by example and transition to a new model of interaction with citizens, businesses, and government institutions by the end of 2026.

President Tokayev also emphasized the importance of advancing the AI-Sana program and tasked relevant authorities with delivering tangible results in its implementation as part of Kazakhstan’s broader digital development strategy.