Kazakhstan is entering a new phase of strategic cooperation with the World Bank. Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held consultations with representatives of the World Bank Group on the development of a new Country Partnership Framework for 2026–2031, DKNews.kz reports.
This is not just another policy document. It is expected to become a long-term roadmap for infrastructure development, private sector growth, climate action, and economic modernization.
A Strategic Partnership
Opening the meeting, Serik Zhumangarin emphasized the importance of cooperation:
“We highly value our partnership with the World Bank. The proposed strategy creates a foundation to support our reforms through expertise, financing, and joint initiatives,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
According to him, the priorities outlined in the draft strategy are fully aligned with Kazakhstan’s socio-economic development goals.
Key focus areas include:
- Development of transport and digital connectivity
- Improving the quality of services in the water and energy sectors
- Financial market development
- Stimulating private investment
- Strengthening climate policy
- Expanding the use of renewable energy sources
Up to $1 Billion Per Year
The World Bank expressed readiness to provide financing of up to $1 billion annually over the next six years.
According to Zhumangarin, this would create additional conditions for strengthening the private sector, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s economy.
Analytical support for reforms will continue under the Joint Economic Research Program between the Government of Kazakhstan and the World Bank.
Results of the 2020–2025 Strategy
During the meeting, the parties reviewed the outcomes of the previous 2020–2025 strategy period. Over these five years, 14 projects worth $4.2 billion were implemented.
Among the most significant:
- Development of the “Western Europe – Western China” international transit corridor
- Reconstruction of the “Almaty – Khorgos” highway
- Modernization of irrigation and drainage systems
Andrei Mikhnev, the World Bank’s Country Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, noted that the period was marked by external challenges, including the pandemic. Nevertheless, cooperation enabled the successful implementation of planned initiatives.
According to him, the “East–West” and “South–West” projects improved transport connectivity for more than 5 million people.
Travel time was reduced by two-thirds, average speeds tripled, and transport costs fell by 35%.
More than 1,200 permanent jobs were created, and 93% of residents reported an improvement in their quality of life.
Support for Business and Agriculture
Support for small and medium-sized enterprises provided grant and advisory assistance to more than 1,000 businesses.
A total of 175 startups generated $41 million in sales and attracted $16 million in investment.
The irrigation modernization project improved water-use efficiency across 92,000 hectares, benefiting 94,000 water users, including 60,000 farmers.
A total of 763 kilometers of canals were rehabilitated, contributing to higher agricultural productivity and job creation. Additional analytical support was provided for reforming agricultural subsidy systems.
IFC and Private Investment
Representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) confirmed plans to continue advisory support for public-private partnership projects, as well as expand investment activities, including lending and attracting private investors.
A successful example cited was the financing of the Almaty Bypass Railway project with the participation of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ).
Future priorities include:
- Modernization of railway infrastructure
- Support for micro and small businesses through financial institutions
- Development of the agro-industrial complex
- Financing the supply of modern agricultural machinery
- Investment in deep grain processing projects
What Comes Next
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to refine the draft strategy, taking into account the proposals discussed, and submit it to the World Bank’s Board of Directors for consideration.
If approved, the new framework will provide Kazakhstan with substantial financial and analytical support through 2031, reinforcing infrastructure development, private sector growth, and long-term economic competitiveness.
