Inside Kazakhstan’s push to become a regional AI centre
Kazakhstan is rapidly advancing its AI development, aiming to become a regional AI hub and diversify its economy beyond raw materials. The country has established an AI ministry, passed AI laws, and even appointed an AI program to a sovereign wealth fund's board. Experts, however, warn of potential environmental and human rights impacts.
Why it matters
This initiative highlights a Central Asian nation's ambitious strategy to leverage AI for economic modernization and global positioning, setting a precedent for AI governance and integration in non-traditional tech hubs. It also raises important ethical considerations regarding AI's societal impact.
Kazakhstan accelerates AI development but experts warn of impact on the environment and human rights.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Valeria Tio, Astana Hub’s managing director, says AI is becoming a 'real social elevator' in Kazakhstan [Courtesy of Valeria Tio] By Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska Published On 21 Sep 2026 21 Sep 2026 A young woman in a sleek bun and a jacket with Kazakh patterns smiles from the screen at a directors’ meeting of Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund.
In late 2025, she became the company’s newest board member.
But SKAI (or Samruk-Kazyna Artificial Intelligence) is not the first woman to join the all-male board: She is the first artificial intelligence programme with voting rights to support the company’s push for greater transparency and better governance.
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