ASTANA – Kazakhstan has improved its standing in several international digital development rankings, with progress in artificial intelligence readiness and e-government services highlighting the country’s growing role in the global technology landscape. According to Oxford Insights, Kazakhstan ranked 60th out of 195 countries in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index, climbing 16 places from the previous year.
The result reflects the country’s progress in preparing to introduce artificial intelligence into public administration and the economy. A 2026 study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also placed Kazakhstan among emerging economies that outperform many comparable countries in AI readiness.
However, the report noted that the country still needs to narrow the gap with advanced economies in areas such as regulation and innovation. Kazakhstan has also maintained a strong position in digital government services. The United Nations E-Government Survey 2024 ranked the country 24th out of 193 countries for e-government development and placed it among the world’s top 10 countries in the Online Services Index.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Network Readiness Index, prepared with the participation of the Portulans Institute, ranked Kazakhstan 65th among 127 economies. The country performed relatively well in the impact of digital technologies and the quality of governance, while technological development remains an area requiring further investment.
These rankings point to a solid foundation for digital transformation, but sustaining progress will require greater investment in technology, research and development, and digital skills. The potential applications of artificial intelligence extend beyond the technology sector.
In energy, AI can help predict equipment failures and reduce downtime; in manufacturing, it can optimize production; in logistics, it can improve transport efficiency; and in agriculture, it can support more effective resource management. Kazakhstan’s longer-term challenge is to move beyond exporting raw materials and energy towards developing products and services with higher added value.
The ability to turn international interest in AI and computing infrastructure into domestic innovation, new jobs and competitive digital exports will determine the economic impact of the country’s digital transformation.