Kazakhstan is aiming for economic growth above 5% in 2026, with the government identifying non-resource industries as the cornerstone of its expansion strategy. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov outlined the ambition during the Cabinet's weekly meeting, pointing to early-year performance data that underscores the country's industrial diversification push.
The country's gross domestic product expanded by 3% during the first quarter of 2026, according to preliminary estimates. Bektenov attributed the positive trajectory to sustained momentum in sectors beyond the traditional oil and mining extractive base. Manufacturing, transport, construction, and trade each contributed to the non-resource sector's resilience, he noted.
Processing Industry Outpaces Overall GDP
The processing industry posted an 8.5% increase, significantly outpacing overall economic growth and reflecting deliberate policy efforts to develop domestic manufacturing capacity. Minister of Industry and Construction Yerssaiyn Nagaspayev provided additional detail at the same Cabinet session, revealing that machine-building sector production had climbed 21.9% compared to the same period last year.
Despite what Bektenov described as unfavorable external economic conditions—including global commodity price volatility and geopolitical headwinds affecting Central Asian trade routes—Kazakhstan's non-resource industries have demonstrated competitive strength. The government has prioritized industrial development through infrastructure investment, favorable regulatory frameworks, and support for export-oriented manufacturing.
Policy Priorities for Sustaining Growth
"We need to concentrate on ensuring sustainable economic growth at more than 5% by the end of the year," Bektenov told ministers. The target reflects both ambition and pragmatism, acknowledging that external headwinds remain but positioning the non-resource economy as a buffer against commodity market fluctuations.
Industrial analysts note that Kazakhstan's manufacturing gains align with broader Eurasian economic integration efforts, including connectivity projects linking Central Asian production centers with European and Chinese markets. The transport and logistics sector's expansion alongside manufacturing suggests supply chain development is progressing alongside production capacity increases.