Kazakhstan has entered an irreversible new stage of modernisation, underpinned by political reform, economic restructuring and a renewed emphasis on social justice, according to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In a wide-ranging interview marking the start of 2026, the Kazakh president set out an ambitious vision for the country’s future, covering economic growth, tax reform, energy security, transport corridors, artificial intelligence, social policy, and Kazakhstan’s evolving role on the global stage .
Irreversible reforms and economic resilience
President Tokayev described 2025 as a turning point, citing economic growth of over 6%, GDP exceeding $300 billion, and GDP per capita surpassing $15,000 — record figures not only for Kazakhstan but for the wider region.
Yet he warned against complacency, pointing to inflation as the most serious challenge facing households. “Even in the most favourable situation, danger lurks,” he noted, stressing the need for disciplined fiscal policy and structural reform to ensure long-term prosperity rather than short-term gains.
At the heart of the government’s agenda, he said, is the irreversibility of reform — a commitment to modernise the state, strengthen the rule of law, and build a society based on fairness, accountability and hard work.
A new social contract on taxation
Addressing public debate over Kazakhstan’s proposed new Tax Code, the president framed the reforms as a shift from control to partnership between the state, business and citizens.
The revised approach aims to balance economic growth with social protection, including a decision to reduce the proposed VAT rate from earlier plans. Tokayev described taxation as a modern form of patriotism — a transparent exchange in which citizens fund services, infrastructure and security, while corruption and abuse are firmly rejected.
Energy reform and ending hidden subsidies
One of the most politically sensitive areas discussed was energy and utilities reform. Tokayev acknowledged the unpopularity of tariff increases but argued they were unavoidable after decades of underinvestment and distortion.
Low tariffs, he said, had primarily benefited large enterprises and intermediaries rather than ordinary citizens, while encouraging shadow exports of cheap fuel to neighbouring countries. The new approach introduces differentiated tariffs, social consumption norms and targeted support for vulnerable households — a move the president described as restoring social justice.
Transport corridors and Eurasian connectivity
Kazakhstan’s strategic location at the heart of Eurasia remains central to its development model. Tokayev highlighted major rail and road projects designed to expand freight capacity between China and Europe, including new lines and highways that will significantly reduce transit times.
By 2030, the country plans to build and modernise 5,000 kilometres of railways and upgrade a further 11,000 kilometres, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role in key corridors such as the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” and the North–South route.
Agriculture, tourism and untapped potential
Despite substantial state support, Tokayev conceded that agriculture has not yet reached its full potential, particularly in livestock farming. While grain exports have hit record levels, future growth depends on better-targeted subsidies, stronger cooperatives and improved access to markets.
Tourism was another sector identified as promising but underdeveloped. While Kazakhstan has gained international recognition as a destination, the president acknowledged shortcomings in infrastructure, skills and governance — particularly in eco-tourism and mountain resorts near Almaty.
Digitalisation, AI and nuclear energy
A major strategic focus for 2026 will be digitalisation and artificial intelligence, which Tokayev described as essential for Kazakhstan’s survival in a rapidly changing global economy.
The country has already launched new supercomputing facilities, created a dedicated Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, and expanded the Astana Hub innovation ecosystem. AI education programmes have reached hundreds of thousands of students, with a specialised AI university planned.
Energy security underpins these ambitions. Tokayev confirmed plans for multiple nuclear power plants, arguing that advanced technologies, data centres and AI systems demand reliable base-load generation. Kazakhstan’s leading role in uranium production and growing cooperation on critical raw materials with global partners were also highlighted.
Restoring social justice and tackling oligopolies
Tokayev reaffirmed that efforts to recover illegally acquired assets remain ongoing, with more than 1.3 trillion tenge already returned and channelled into social infrastructure projects across the country.
He rejected claims that anti-corruption efforts had weakened, saying reforms were designed to focus enforcement on organisers of major schemes while strengthening prevention and education.
Foreign policy: balance, discretion and credibility
Reflecting on a busy diplomatic year, Tokayev positioned Kazakhstan as a balanced, reliable international actor, maintaining dialogue with major powers while avoiding populism or public mediation roles.
Agreements worth more than $70 billion were signed in 2025, he said, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s economic diplomacy amid global geopolitical turbulence.
Looking ahead to 2026
With the 35th anniversary of independence approaching, Tokayev said 2026 would be pivotal, marked by deepening reforms, a renewed constitutional agenda, and the nationwide “Taza Qazaqstan” (Clean Kazakhstan) initiative promoting civic responsibility, environmental stewardship and volunteerism.
“The modernisation of the country must become truly irreversible,” he concluded, expressing confidence that Kazakhstan’s younger generation would play a decisive role in shaping its future
Source: Interview with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Turkistan Newspaper, 5 January 2026.
