Kazakhstan launches 'Data Center Valley' project, attracting global tech giants

Kazakhstan is embarking on a significant push to establish its own robust digital infrastructure with the "Data Center Valley" project, aiming to reduce its dependence on foreign computing power. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov detailed the initiative, emphasizing its role in developing artificial intelligence, digital services, and the burgeoning data economy.

The project involves substantial capacity increases. Currently, government data resides in a 6 MW facility in Astana. This will be augmented by a 125 MW data center set to launch in Ekibastuz in the first half of next year, followed by an identical 125 MW facility by 2028. These expansions signal Kazakhstan's ambition to become a regional hub for data processing and AI development.

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Currently, all data from all government agencies is housed in a 6 MW data center in Astana. In the first half of next year, we will launch a 125 MW data center in Ekibastuz. By 2028, we will launch another identical 125 MW facility. We will continue this work moving forward.

International interest is already high, with agreements in place with Firebird, a strategic partner of NVIDIA. The potential investment for this venture is estimated at around $10 billion, highlighting the global significance of Kazakhstan's strategic move. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the importance of controlling computing power, data, and communication channels for national independence.

"It is of fundamental importance for Kazakhstan to establish its own infrastructure base capable of supporting the development of artificial intelligence and cloud services," President Tokayev stated. He described the "Data Center Valley" as a priority project and a new driving force for economic growth, providing essential computing resources. The government has been instructed to develop the project in line with international standards and the demands of major industry players.

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It is of fundamental importance for Kazakhstan to establish its own infrastructure base capable of supporting the development of artificial intelligence and cloud services. Therefore, the creation of the 'Data Center Valley' is a priority project for us. This massive cluster will become a new driving force for our economic growth, providing businesses and researchers with access to computing resources. A reliable digital infrastructure must become a strategic asset for our country.