Kazakhstan is discussing with the World Bank the possibility of obtaining a loan of up to $75 million to implement a project in the field of artificial intelligence, start-ups and Industry 4.0 technologies. The project is at the negotiation stage, with a decision on its approval scheduled for the beginning of September.
WHAT THE PROJECT INCLUDES
According to Inbusiness.kz, the initiative aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's position in the field of artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0. The total cost of the project, prepared by the Ministry of AI and Digital Development, is estimated at $149 million, with up to $75 million potentially provided as a loan.
According to the published description, $30 million is expected to be allocated to research, skills development and the innovation ecosystem. Planned areas include the creation of an AI Centre, cloud platforms, robotics laboratories, specialised educational programmes and measures to attract specialists.
HOW THE FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED
A further $39.85 million is planned for supporting start-ups. Project materials indicate that funding will cover various stages of development, from idea generation and initial financing to acceleration, entry into international markets, and the creation of a venture capital fund to stimulate private investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Industry 4.0 and green technologies.
In addition, $5.2 million is set aside for monitoring, evaluation and project management. These funds are intended to ensure inter-agency coordination, prepare analysis on the state of the innovation ecosystem, and use best practices in decision-making regarding start-up support.
WHAT STAGE IS THE INITIATIVE AT
The initiative is currently at the negotiation stage. A decision on its approval is expected at the beginning of September.
If the decision is positive, the project is scheduled to launch in 2027 and be completed by the end of 2031.
CONTEXT
Previously, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev approved the National Strategy for Large-Scale Digitalisation and Total Implementation of Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Digital Qazaqstan, until 2029. The document defines the key directions for the country's digital development and the introduction of AI technologies.
