Kazakhstan Expands GovTech Exports and Embraces Digital Nomads
During the Digital Almaty 2024 forum in February, Kazakhstan made significant strides in enhancing its international presence by signing multiple memorandums of understanding, particularly focusing on the export of government technology (GovTech).
Among these agreements stands the extension of Kazakhstan’s IT solutions for e-government development, which includes initiatives such as Smart Bridge, the Unified Platform for Internet Resources of Government Agencies, and the Smart Data Ukimet information and analytical system, now expanding to the Kyrgyz Republic. This move follows a similar initiative from December, where components of Kazakhstan’s e-government were exported to Tajikistan under a memorandum of cooperation. Additionally, Kazakhstan entered into agreements on information and communication technology cooperation with Sierra Leone and Togo, demonstrating its commitment to advancing digitally on a global scale, with a goal to increase its digital products and services export to $1 billion by 2026.
In line with these endeavors to export technological expertise, Kazakhstan is also looking to attract talent, particularly in the emerging field of digital nomadism. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the importance of utilizing digitalization to the fullest extent in various public speeches. During an extended government meeting in February, Tokayev reiterated the need for Kazakhstan to position itself as a destination for digital nomads.
To achieve this goal, Kazakhstan launched a Digital Nomad Residency program, aiming to transform the country into an attractive hub for digital nomads and AI specialists worldwide. Statistics from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan reveal migratory trends, with over 12,000 individuals over 15 years old relocating to Kazakhstan in 2023, many with technical education backgrounds, including IT specialists. Conversely, over 7,700 people moved from Kazakhstan to other countries, showcasing a two-way flow of technical talent.
Magzhan Madiyev, the CEO of Astana Hub, shared insights on Kazakhstan’s ambitions to become a hub for digital nomads and AI specialists, elaborating on the inception of the digital nomad visa program. This initiative aligns with President Tokayev’s recent directive, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s commitment to contemporary trends and its aspiration to serve as a global center for digital nomads and AI experts.
Kazakhstan’s economic attractiveness, coupled with a thriving IT sector, provides a conducive environment for the influx of digital nomads. The country’s competitive personal income tax rate and favorable conditions for IT industry development, exemplified by initiatives like Astana Hub offering an exclusive tax regime and government support, have attracted major technology companies. Kazakhstan houses over 1,300 IT companies, including 390 with foreign participation, indicating substantial investments and revenue growth in the sector, with significant interest from foreign workers.
As Kazakhstan continues its journey to expand GovTech exports and welcome digital nomads, the country aims to position itself as a global player in the digital realm, leveraging its economic appeal and growing IT sector to attract top talent worldwide.
