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Open AI's logo image/ AP Yonhap

Kazakhstan has emerged as the Central Asian leader in generative AI adoption, with the highest usage rate per capita in the region. Analysts attribute this to the government’s proactive AI development policies and expanded investment in education.

On June 3 (local time), OpenAI met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiev, to discuss the introduction of “ChatGPT Edu” for educational institutions and the expansion of AI training programs for teachers and students, according to local outlet Kapital.

OpenAI’s data showed that in Q1 2026, Kazakhstan’s generative AI usage rate per capita was 15.9%, the highest in Central Asia. While below the global average of 17.8%, it surpassed Russia (9.5%) and Belarus (9.6%). Kyrgyzstan (9.5%), Uzbekistan (7.2%), Tajikistan (6.1%), and Turkmenistan (6.1%) followed behind Kazakhstan.

Experts note that differences in internet infrastructure, digital education, technology access, and digital service ecosystems contribute to the varying levels of AI adoption across countries.

Central Asian nations are increasingly positioning AI as a future growth engine. Uzbekistan is expanding AI-based administrative services and digital economy policies, while Kyrgyzstan is advancing e-government and AI integration.

Kazakhstan has taken a leading role, establishing a dedicated AI policy framework in 2024 and becoming the first in the region to enact AI legislation last year. Recently, the government launched a nationwide initiative to introduce ChatGPT Edu for approximately 165,000 teachers, making AI development a core national strategy.

Valerie Foké, OpenAI’s Head of International Education, remarked, “Kazakhstan is already actively adopting AI. The next step is to expand education and opportunities so citizens can benefit more from AI.”

Deputy Prime Minister Madiev added, “Kazakh citizens are already using AI in learning, work, information search, and content creation. We will actively integrate AI into education and public services to establish ourselves as a regional technology leader.”

                                                                                                              Kim Min‑gyu