Kazakhstan has launched an ambitious digital transformation agenda for 2026, placing cities and regional development at the center of its Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. The national action plan, approved by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, includes smart city expansion, 5G rollout and upgrades to urban digital infrastructure.
One of the key priorities is strengthening connectivity across cities and rural areas. Authorities plan to expand 5G coverage to 20 major cities and extend fiber-optic communication lines to villages. Mobile internet access will also be improved along highways, while satellite-based Direct to Cell services are expected to enhance connectivity in remote locations and transport corridors.
Astana is set to pilot a new Smart City project, while IT hubs will be expanded to support local innovation ecosystems. Public service centers across the country are also undergoing modernization, with at least 20 facilities to be converted into digital offices equipped with self-service areas.
The government aims to provide high-speed internet access to 99% of the population and ensure full 5G coverage in the targeted urban centers. Officials project that these measures will contribute to a measurable increase in urban comfort and service quality, reinforcing cities as key drivers of Kazakhstan’s emerging digital economy.
Beyond infrastructure, the broader program includes GovTech reform, AI integration into public services, and sectoral digitalization in energy, logistics and construction, all of which are expected to reshape how cities operate and deliver services to residents.
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