Central Asia and the Caucasus are rapidly emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing digital regions. According to the World Bank, GDP across the region is expected to grow by nearly 4.7% in 2025–2026. In just the past year, venture capital investment surged to $95 million, and the IT services market alone is forecast to reach $5.6 billion by 2029.

This growth is driven by a new generation of developers and IT specialists, while governments across the region are accelerating digital transformation — from public services to key sectors such as finance and energy. Together, these trends are placing the region at the forefront of the global innovation agenda.

Kazakhstan is becoming the epicenter of this digital transformation. Home to Central Asia’s largest hyperscale data center, the country has digitized 90% of its public services and is launching international flagship initiatives, including the AI hub Alem.ai. Within this context, Kazakhstan will host GITEX Central Asia & Caucasus x Ai Everything Kazakhstan — the region’s most anticipated tech event — from June 2 to 4, 2026. The official announcement was made during the opening day of GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything in Berlin.

The event is being organized by KAOUN International as part of the global GITEX network — the largest technology and startup community in the world — under the leadership of the Ministry of Digital Development of Kazakhstan with the support of Astana Hub. It will become the premier platform in Central Asia and the Caucasus for investment and collaboration in AI, data centers, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, FinTech, startups, and deep-tech.

Kazakhstan is now the ninth destination on the GITEX global map, joining cities such as Berlin, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Vietnam. GITEX is a transnational, cross-sector platform that offers innovative companies direct access to global markets, funding, and talent.

Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev commented: “This is a landmark step toward positioning Kazakhstan as a global center of digital innovation. From AI integration and talent development to startup support and international collaboration — our vision and values align closely with the GITEX philosophy. We are united by a shared digital ambition and a commitment to building a prosperous, tech-driven future. This partnership opens up immense opportunities for Kazakhstan and the broader region.”

Mohammed AlHawari, UAE Deputy Minister of Investment, added:
“In the UAE, digital competitiveness is a key national priority. Strategic partnerships and technological cooperation are central to our approach. Our CEPA agreements and growing digital dialogue with the EAEU reflect that commitment. The recent investment agreement signed in Astana on AI and data centers signals the scale of what lies ahead. The launch of GITEX Central Asia & Caucasus in Kazakhstan is a major milestone in building a regional innovation alliance, powered by infrastructure and driven by limitless potential in AI, cybersecurity, data, and startups.”

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International and Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, global organizer of GITEX, noted:
“Central Asia and the Caucasus are transitioning from a resource-based economy to an innovation-led future, with AI at its core. Kazakhstan is setting the pace with its forward-looking strategy to reimagine regional digital integration. Hosting GITEX in Astana connects this bold vision to a global pipeline of capital, code, and talent. Progressive policymaking, rapid infrastructure upgrades, and a wave of national digital projects mark a historic moment that the global tech community will experience first-hand at GITEX Central Asia & Caucasus.”

Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub, added:
“GITEX is globally known for bringing together tech industry leaders, bridging the digital divide, and fostering breakthrough partnerships. We are proud to welcome GITEX to Kazakhstan starting in 2026. Together with our partners, we are working to ensure that the Kazakh edition of the world’s largest tech show becomes a hallmark of innovation, collaboration, and digital transformation. We believe this event will be a game-changer for Kazakhstan’s digital economy for decades to come.”

A Catalyst for Central Asia’s Technological Leap

GITEX Central Asia & Caucasus x Ai Everything Kazakhstan will convene AI leaders, data center architects, cybersecurity experts, FinTech innovators, and the region’s top startups to shape the technologies that will drive the next wave of development. Participants will gain direct access to the global GITEX network — from investors and founders to regulators and enterprise leaders — helping turn ideas on the expo floor into real pilots and scalable solutions.

Kazakhstan: On the Brink of a Digital Breakthrough

By 2026, Kazakhstan aims to move all government services online and automate 70% of industrial and financial processes. The country is already ranked in the UN’s Top 10 for e-government services and holds the #1 position in Central Asia for AI readiness. Venture investment has reached $71 million, and by 2029, the Alem.ai center in Astana is expected to generate $5 billion in AI exports — signaling a shift from technology import to large-scale innovation export.

Advancing Strategic Partnership with the UAE

GITEX is also strengthening the innovation corridor between Astana and Abu Dhabi. Earlier this year, the UAE Minister of Investment visited Kazakhstan to sign a strategic agreement on AI and data center projects. Soon after, Abu Dhabi-based company Presight opened its first Central Asian office in Astana to boost local AI capabilities. These moves complement ongoing CEPA negotiations between the UAE and the EAEU.

GITEX Central Asia & Caucasus x Ai Everything Kazakhstan brings these high-level commitments to life, connecting Gulf capital and expertise with Central Asia’s engineering talent to build a new engine of digital growth.

Source: MDDIAI
Photo: GITEX