ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a series of meetings with global technology and investment leaders during AI & Digital Bridge 2026 on Oct. 1, focusing on artificial intelligence, data center infrastructure, investment and Kazakhstan’s emerging technology ecosystem.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reviewed projects in artificial intelligence, digital technologies and robotics. Photo credit: Akorda
AI and digital infrastructure
During the international IT forum, Tokayev reviewed projects in artificial intelligence, digital technologies and robotics, including the AI-Enabled University model developed by Qazaq AI Research University, Trusted Kazakhstan, ALFA and new features of the national Aitu messenger, reported Akorda.
Tokayev also reviewed AI solutions developed by Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and Higgsfield.ai, as well as plans for the Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz.
The project is designed to develop computing infrastructure with an initial capacity of nearly 300 megawatts (MW), expandable to 1 gigawatt (GW).
Meetings with technology and investment leaders
Tokayev met with NVIDIA Vice President Rev Lebaredian, General Atlantic Chairman and CEO William Ford, and a UAE delegation led by Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei and Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and CEO of G42 International.
With NVIDIA, discussions focused on expanding practical AI applications, computing infrastructure and the Data Center Valley project. Kazakhstan has already launched two supercomputer clusters based on NVIDIA technologies.
With General Atlantic, Tokayev discussed investment opportunities in Kazakhstan’s technology sector and AI ecosystem. Ford briefed Tokayev on potential investments in fintech, e-commerce, software, AI, energy and digital infrastructure. General Atlantic has expressed interest in participating in the Data Center Valley project.
Kazakhstan-UAE cooperation
Tokayev highlighted the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the UAE, noting that the UAE is among Kazakhstan’s top 10 foreign investors. In 2025, UAE direct investment in Kazakhstan reached $1.64 billion, increasing 3.5 times.
The officials discussed transport and logistics projects, port infrastructure, the development of the Middle Corridor and prospects for the Trans-Afghan Corridor.
They also reviewed cooperation in AI and digitalization, including projects involving Presight AI in supercomputing infrastructure, Smart City solutions and a national traffic video monitoring system.
Tokayev also discussed G42’s potential participation in developing the Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz.
In recognition of their contribution to Kazakhstan-UAE relations, Tokayev awarded Suhail Al Mazrouei and Mansoor Al Mansoori the Dostyk (Friendship) Order, second degree.
