Kazakhstan must accelerate AI development and integrate its elements into e-government by the end of 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.

He highlighted Smart City projects and the AI-Sana educational program for universities as key initiatives.

Tokayev pointed to China’s progress, citing DeepSeek’s platform, which “outperformed billion-dollar programs with just a $6.5 million investment.”

“I instruct the government to begin implementing AI tools in state institutions and national companies,” he added.

The president also called for a shift in Kazakhstan’s crypto policy. Citing expert estimates, he noted that 95% of local crypto investors operate in a “gray zone.”

“We must urgently create infrastructure for broader legal circulation of digital assets. Financial regulators should establish the necessary legislative framework,” Tokayev stated.

Another key task for the government will be working with law enforcement and financial regulators to combat online fraud.

Currently, cryptocurrency trading and exchange operations in Kazakhstan are only allowed under the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) with a valid license, while miners must obtain government approval.

From January to October 2024, authorities shut down 19 Bitcoin exchanges with a combined turnover exceeding $60 million.