President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hailed a landmark year for the Kazakhstan economy during the 5th meeting of the National Kurultai on 20 January 2026. Addressing the assembly, the Head of State revealed that the nation’s GDP per capita has reached an unprecedented $15,000, setting a new record for both the country and the Central Asian region.
The President attributed these results to national unity and “creative labor,” noting that 2025 served as a period of significant economic breakthrough.
Tokayev detailed a robust economic performance for the past year, characterized by steady growth and strengthened financial reserves:
The economy expanded by 6.5%, pushing the total national GDP past the $300 billion mark. Total gold and foreign exchange reserves reached a historic high of over $65 billion. Foreign currency assets in the National Fund increased by $5 billion. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now account for nearly 40% of the economy, signaling a successful shift away from commodity dependence.
In addition to financial gains, the President highlighted positive social trends, noting that Kazakhstan’s population has grown to approximately 20.5 million, with average life expectancy rising to 75.4 years.
Looking toward the future, Tokayev emphasized that demographic size is becoming less relevant in a global digital economy. Instead, national success will be defined by the ability to adapt to and create within the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Kazakhstan has embarked on a path of accelerated digitalization and the introduction of artificial intelligence into all spheres of public and private life,” Tokayev stated. He called for massive investment in education, science, and high technology to improve “human capital,” which he identified as the decisive factor in this historical turning point.
While celebrating these achievements, the President issued a stern warning to the state apparatus against complacency and superficial reporting. Referring to the officially designated Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, Tokayev demanded tangible outcomes.
“The main thing is that these plans do not drown in presentations and forums filled with empty promises,” Tokayev warned. “We need real success, not PR campaigns and the imitation of progress.”
The President concluded by stressing that the digital transition is not a “tribute to fashion” but a concrete mandate for the entire government to deliver practical results for the citizens of Kazakhstan. ///nCa, 21 January 2026