The government of Kazakhstan has recently unveiled an ambitious blueprint to establish a “City of Digital Future,” driven by cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to accelerate the nation’s economic transformation and position Kazakhstan as a digital technology hub in Central Asia.
The proposed city will be strategically located between Astana and Almaty, covering a planned area of over 500 square kilometers. It will feature a blockchain innovation zone, an AI research park, green-energy data centers, and an intelligent transportation system.
Speaking at the project’s launch, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development described the city as not merely a hub of technological infrastructure, but a strategic pivot to the digital age: “This is more than new city development—it marks a milestone in our economic restructuring.”
Alatau May Become the First Site
One of the most striking aspects of the project is the “Crypto City” plan—a designated zone where digital currencies can circulate legally. As a regulatory sandbox, it will allow consumers and businesses to engage in cryptocurrency payments and transactions under government oversight.
Alatau has emerged as the preferred location for the project. Known as a scientific stronghold, Alatau is home to a nuclear research center, advanced physics laboratories, and the National Innovation Technology Park. It is gradually evolving into an integrated zone for research, incubation, and commercialization of technology.
Zhaslan Madiyev, an official from the Ministry of Digital Development, emphasized that Alatau “possesses all the conditions necessary to build a next-generation digital finance experimental zone,” and confirmed that the city’s construction has “officially begun.”
Policy Support and Talent Strategy in Tandem
To facilitate the project’s rollout, the government is accelerating legislative processes to provide legal guarantees for digital asset transactions. According to draft policy directions, cryptocurrencies will be granted payment status within designated areas, including for purchases of goods, services, real estate, and investment participation.
“Our goal is to use a legalization framework to bring cryptocurrency from capital markets into everyday economic life,” said Madiyev.
In addition to policy support, Kazakhstan also plans to attract global tech talent and entrepreneurs through tax incentives and talent visa programs, aiming to rapidly develop a local ecosystem in AI and blockchain sectors.
A New Phase in the Digital Economy Strategy
As global interest in blockchain and AI technologies continues to surge, Kazakhstan’s move is seen as a strategic push by a Central Asian nation to take a lead in the new tech wave. In recent years, the country has become a significant player in the global cryptocurrency mining industry and has taken active steps to refine its regulatory mechanisms.
Industry analysts believe the implementation of the “City of Digital Future” will not only enhance Kazakhstan’s visibility on the global tech stage but could also foster a cluster effect of technological innovation across Central Asia.
In the next five years, this tech-powered new city is poised to become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s digital ambition and a bold showcase to the world.