Kazakhstan’s path is to be anchored in technological advancement, stronger institutions and social stability, says President Tokayev, boosting AI, overhauling parliamentary structures and enforcing law and order. A systemic modernisation is underway.
With the political season kicking off in September, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address, outlining the country’s strategic priorities for the year ahead.
Addressing a joint session of parliament, Tokayev defined digital transformation, thoughtful governance reform, balanced diplomacy and a realistic response to global instability as fundamental pillars for the country’s future.
AI ministry
One of Tokayev’s most notable announcements was the establishment of a Ministry for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, keeping pace with global transformation and rapid digitalisation.
The president envisions what he views as a fully digital country within three years. To reach this objective, a national strategy to be developed by the government will combine all initiatives and projects in this domain, positioning Kazakhstan a regional leader.
Alatau City, north of Almaty, is set to become an innovation and business centre, with land already allocated for the project and initial planning completed. International companies have signalled interest in the initiative.
Parliamentary reform
To strengthen institutional governance, Tokayev proposed transitioning Kazakhstan’s two-chamber parliament into a unicameral legislature. The proposal would see the Senate abolished, with the outcome decided through a referendum.
The proposed timeline envisages the lower chamber (Mazhilis) continuing its legislative work until the end of its mandate, while the Senate remains in place until the referendum results are finalised.
The indicative date is 2027, with Tokayev emphasising a phased, inclusive public discussion rather than immediate constitutional changes or snap elections.
Balanced foreign policy
Foreign policy, he says, will remain a fundamental pillar of Kazakhstan’s progress, especially as the world enters a new era marked by “growing contradictions, intensifying wars, nationalism, and the erosion of international law”.
Amid these global shifts, Tokayev sees a solution in maintaining a balanced and constructive foreign policy to protect national interests while driving growth and long-term stability.
Highlighting the country’s increasing engagement with the European Union, the president emphasised Astana’s friendly relations and cooperation with China and the United States, while also announcing an upcoming visit to Russia.
Linking Europe and Asia
Thanks to its strategic location between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan will seek to expand its role as a key transit link, strengthening the region’s transport and logistics sector. Here, Tokayev stressed the need for a proactive approach.
Internationally attractive projects such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, will remain a priority, bringing investment, jobs and tangible income to Kazakhstan.
Kazakh ambitions include leadership not only in road transport but also in aviation. New terminals in multiple cities, as well as the ongoing construction of several airports, will boost the growing air-cargo sector.
Nuclear energy and industrial drive
With construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant officially underway, Tokayev announced plans to expand with two more stations to secure the country’s energy future and sustain economic growth.
Highly sought-after rare earth elements and other critical materials give Kazakhstan an edge in integrating into global production and market chains, making the country’s economic diversification easier to accelerate.
Tokayev also called for a new industrial push, highlighting the need to make Kazakh products competitive both domestically and globally, while supporting industry and entrepreneurs through comprehensive policies.
Domestic priorities
The Kazakh president also stressed a policy of zero tolerance for lawlessness, public disturbance and violence – described this as essential to societal stability and global reputation.
Tokayev highlighted the need for skilled technical workers – engineers, builders, farmers – and called for raising their prestige and ensuring decent wages. He encouraged graduates to remain in their specialisations rather than pursue quick income.
The president instructed the government to create a unified digital platform for managing the country’s water resources and announced plans for another platform to monitor the strain rapid population growth is placing on infrastructure.
Future implications
Experts have interpreted Tokayev’s 2025 address as a dual reform agenda, anchored in technological leapfrogging (AI, smart cities, standards leadership) and institutional deepening (unified Parliament, investor-friendly governance, balanced diplomacy).
They see opportunities for rule-making influence internationally and warn that execution will decide whether Kazakhstan fulfils its ambition to be a digitally advanced, politically credible middle power.
For partners in Europe and across Asia, Tokayev’s vision offers more than rhetoric – it sketches a roadmap for shared growth and stability. It signals a shift from incremental reform to a strategic opening.
Aligning expertise, capital and policy support with Astana’s long-term strategy could turn Kazakhstan’s domestic transformation into a regional platform for innovation, trade and cooperative security, ensuring its partners a meaningful stake in Central Asia’s future.
(BM)
