Digitalization has long ceased to be just a buzzword—today it is a key factor in economic development, business transformation, and changes in social processes. Kazakhstan, as a country with a dynamically developing economy and ambitious digital initiatives, stands on the threshold of significant changes.
We spoke with Dr. Berik Kaiyupkanovich Kadyrov, PhD in Economics, about what prospects digitalization opens up, how it affects the economy, and what challenges await us in the near future.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
Hello, Berik Kaiyupkanovich! First of all, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We would like our interview to be informal and easy to understand, so we chose a question-and-answer format. This approach will allow us to discuss important topics in a convenient and accessible way, making it easier for our readers to follow the conversation.
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
Yes, of course, thank you for the invitation. I’m always happy to discuss digitalization issues, as this is one of the key topics affecting every citizen of our country today.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
Excellent! Let’s start with the main issue. In your opinion, what does the current level of digitalization of Kazakhstan’s economy look like?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
Kazakhstan is at an important stage of digital transformation. Much has changed over the past five years: according to the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, more than 93% of government services can now be obtained online—this is a level comparable to international standards. Kazakhstan ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide in the Online Services Index (OSI).
Speaking about business, this direction looks very promising. Digital technologies in Kazakhstan have been implemented for quite some time, and there is potential for their deeper application, especially in the private sector. Today, many companies are beginning to use online services and digital tools for customer relations and internal accounting, gradually changing habits and approaches to business. It seems that in the coming years we will see how digitalization will actually accelerate entrepreneurship development and simplify work for many companies.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
How do you see the role of digitalization in Kazakhstan’s economic development?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
The role of digitalization in Kazakhstan’s economic development lies in becoming a key driver of productivity and competitiveness growth, facilitating access to government services and finance, stimulating IT sector and export development, reducing business costs, expanding employment in new professions, and enabling the country to integrate into the global digital economy.
McKinsey Global Institute research shows that comprehensive implementation of digital technologies can add several percentage points to developing countries’ GDP by 2030—in the baseline scenario, this is approximately 4–6%, and if we follow a more optimistic path, the figures could be even higher. For Kazakhstan, this means a potential impact of $12–18 billion in additional value under favorable conditions.
Digitalization works as a true multiplier: it not only automates existing processes but also creates new opportunities for business. A good example is Kaspi.kz. Today, it is no longer just a bank but a full-fledged digital ecosystem that has transformed entire sectors, including e-commerce and online payments.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
Which sectors of Kazakhstan will benefit most from digitalization?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
In my view, at the current stage, the greatest benefits from digitalization in Kazakhstan are being received by the service sector and financial sector, where online services, fintech, and cashless payments are actively developing.
Speaking about the future, the greatest benefits from digitalization in Kazakhstan will likely be received by industry and the agro-industrial complex through the implementation of “Industry 4.0,” smart technologies, and precision agriculture.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
Berik Kaiyupkanovich, what benefits does digitalization bring to small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
Digitalization reduces costs and expands markets for SMBs in Kazakhstan: according to the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan, the share of online sales by small businesses grew by more than 30% in 2023. The implementation of electronic services (e-commerce, QR payments, online accounting) allows entrepreneurs to save up to 20–25% of time on administration and accelerates access to customers throughout the country.
Digitalization today acts as a great equalizer of opportunities: a small firm in Semey can successfully compete with large corporations from Almaty thanks to modern digital tools.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
Berik Kaiyupkanovich, what could stimulate Kazakhstani entrepreneurs to more actively implement digital solutions?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
This requires a comprehensive approach.
First, education and consulting. Many entrepreneurs still don’t fully understand what opportunities digitalization provides. Therefore, digital literacy programs for business, seminars, workshops, and mentoring that show real examples of technology implementation are important.
Second, financial support. Instead of relying entirely on the state, large companies and corporate investors can play a significant role. They can partially subsidize the implementation of digital solutions for SMBs, investing in technology development and process modernization. In return, entrepreneurs ensure mass adoption of these solutions, while investors receive long-term dividends from subscriptions, service maintenance, or a share in the revenue from implemented technologies. This approach reduces risks for small businesses and encourages experimentation with new tools, while simultaneously creating a sustainable ecosystem for technological development.
Third, creating an ecosystem. The country already has technoparks and accelerators, but it’s important that they become centers of attraction for small businesses. When an entrepreneur sees successful examples nearby, exchanges experience with colleagues, and receives support from mentors, it’s easier to decide on digital changes.
Fourth, simplifying regulation. A “one-stop-shop” principle for obtaining all necessary permits for digital projects would significantly accelerate innovation implementation, making the path from idea to realization simpler and more transparent.
A living example: An entrepreneur faces a typical problem: producing some goods requires a lot of manual labor, and scaling production is difficult and expensive. From a regular business perspective, this is a bottleneck—production is inefficient, and the final product price is high. If a specialist with technical thinking joins this process, they can propose a digital solution or automation, launch streamlined production, and optimize processes. Both sides win: the entrepreneur gets a fair price for the product thanks to mass production, and the IT company receives stable income from support and subscription to the digital solution, which is economically beneficial for both the developer and the business.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
Berik Kaiyupkanovich, how does digitalization affect the lives of ordinary citizens of Kazakhstan? Are people afraid that technology will take away their jobs?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
This is a very important question, and it should be viewed with balance. History shows: technology implementation doesn’t mean mass job loss—on the contrary, economic growth is usually accompanied by labor market expansion. Digital solutions take on routine tasks that previously consumed a lot of time and free people for more complex, creative, and skilled work.
Digitalization stimulates the emergence of new professions—data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, automated systems developers, robotics engineers, etc. These areas are actively developing, and opportunities appear for people to build careers in modern fields rather than remain limited to traditional professions.
Of course, challenges remain: the digital divide between generations, cybersecurity issues, technology dependence. But with the right and thoughtful approach, digitalization becomes not a threat, but a reliable assistant for citizens—improving quality of life, saving time, creating new opportunities for earning and professional growth.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
How important is the role of the education system in preparing personnel for the digital economy?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
Education is the foundation of digital transformation. Without qualified IT personnel, even the most ambitious plans risk remaining only on paper. Recently, at the August conference, the Minister of Education and Enlightenment noted that elements of artificial intelligence study will be gradually implemented in the country’s schools through “Computer Science” and “Digital Literacy” courses.
At the same time, there are concerns: won’t this initiative turn into a formal subject, similar to some elective courses that students often perceive merely as additional burden? To avoid this, it’s important not to limit ourselves to a declarative approach, but to build a teacher training system, ensure quality educational materials and practice-oriented tasks that allow schoolchildren to apply acquired knowledge in real life.
In universities, it’s important to create modern IT faculties with a strong practical base. We need to attract practicing teachers from industry, develop partnerships with international and Kazakhstani technology companies, integrate platforms like Coursera, JetBrains Academy, Oracle Academy into education. This allows students to immediately work with real industry tools.
Special attention should be paid to retraining programs for adults. Many professions are transforming, and it’s important to help people adapt to changes by mastering new digital skills.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
How do you see Kazakhstan’s economy in 10–15 years?
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
I see an evolutionarily transformed economy. According to forecasts from international consulting agencies, by 2040 the share of the IT sector in developing countries’ GDP could grow to 5–7%. For Kazakhstan, considering starting positions and active investments in digitalization, it’s realistic to expect growth from the current 2% to 5–6%. This will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and open opportunities for technology startups.
Kazakhstan’s economy in 10–15 years should appear more sustainable, self-sufficient, and technological. For this, it’s important to accelerate the implementation of sustainable development principles in all spheres, maximally using the capabilities of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
Priority will be given to producing vital goods and services predominantly within the country, which will reduce dependence on external factors and strengthen national security. Special attention should be paid to agricultural development and efficient water resource management, which in the long term will become strategically important not only for Kazakhstan but for the entire world.
An important condition is also ensuring strong interregional and intersectoral connections that form a unified economic framework for the country. This will create the foundation for a continuous and sustainable production cycle capable of ensuring long-term growth and competitiveness of the national economy.
Digital RUM Editorial Team:
Thank you, Berik Kaiyupkanovich, for an interesting and substantive interview. We wish you continued success in your work!
Kadyrov Berik Kaiyupkanovich:
Thank you, it was a pleasure to share my thoughts.вой или инвестиционной рекомендацией.
Disclaimer
This material is for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed by the interviewee represent his personal views and do not reflect the official position of government bodies or the editorial team of Digital RUM. The information provided does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice.