Kazakhstan and Slovakia are bringing their partnership into the digital age — and artificial intelligence is at the heart of it.
In Bratislava, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Slovakia, Zhanna Saginova, met with Slovakia’s Minister of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization, Samuel Migaľ, DKNews.kz reports.
What might sound like a routine diplomatic meeting was, in fact, a clear signal: both countries are ready to build their future cooperation around technology, innovation, and data.
2026: Kazakhstan’s Year of Digitalization and AI
Kazakhstan has officially declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence — a move that reflects how seriously the country is betting on high-tech development.
But this isn’t just a slogan.
The country has already adopted an AI Development Concept for 2024–2029 — a national strategy that lays out how artificial intelligence will be systematically introduced across key sectors of the economy. From industry and agriculture to energy, transport, healthcare, and education, AI is expected to become a practical tool rather than a futuristic concept.
The idea is simple: smarter systems mean faster decisions, lower costs, and stronger competitiveness.
Building the Infrastructure First
Unlike many countries that are still discussing AI in theory, Kazakhstan has been building the technical backbone to support it.
Astana Hub — the largest technology park in Central Asia — has become a magnet for startups, IT companies, and venture investors. It serves as a platform for scaling digital solutions not only domestically but also internationally.
Even more notable is the recent launch of two supercomputers — the first in Central Asia. This development significantly boosts Kazakhstan’s capacity for scientific research, complex data processing, and advanced AI modeling.
Supercomputers are not just about speed. They are the engines behind climate modeling, medical research, logistics optimization, and large-scale data analytics. In other words, they are a critical foundation for a modern innovation ecosystem.
Why Slovakia Matters
Slovakia, as an EU member state with strong industrial and digital capabilities, represents a valuable partner in this transformation.
During the meeting, the Kazakh side reaffirmed its interest in launching joint projects with Slovak partners, particularly in digital solutions and Big Data analytics. The effective use of large datasets in public administration was highlighted as a strategic priority.
Today, governments around the world are turning to data-driven decision-making to improve public services, optimize spending, and increase transparency. For Kazakhstan, cooperation with European partners could accelerate this transition.
A Memorandum in the Making
The talks were not limited to general ideas. профиль ministries from both countries are already working on a Memorandum of Cooperation in digitalization and artificial intelligence.
Such agreements often serve as a practical roadmap — opening the door to pilot projects, knowledge exchange, business missions, and joint research initiatives.
A Broader Strategic Shift
What makes this meeting significant is the broader context. Kazakhstan is positioning itself not just as a resource-rich economy, but as a regional digital hub.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a central pillar of the country’s modernization strategy. By integrating AI into traditional sectors like agriculture and energy — areas critical to Kazakhstan’s economy — the country aims to leapfrog stages of development rather than follow incremental growth models.
Partnerships like the one with Slovakia suggest that Kazakhstan is looking westward for technological collaboration while strengthening its role as a bridge between Europe and Central Asia.
What’s Next?
Both sides concluded the meeting by confirming their readiness to deepen cooperation and move from dialogue to implementation.
If the momentum continues, the Kazakhstan–Slovakia partnership could become an example of how mid-sized economies collaborate to compete in the era of artificial intelligence.
In a world increasingly defined by algorithms, data, and digital infrastructure, diplomacy is no longer just about politics — it’s about technology.
And Kazakhstan is making it clear: AI is not just part of the future. It is part of the strategy today.
