- The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a yen loan of JPY 11,999.7 million (about USD 75 million) to support the creation, commercialization, and scale-up of technology startups in Kazakhstan.
- The ALEM project focuses on four areas: a digital talent pool, high-performance computing, robotics prototyping infrastructure, and closing a growth-stage venture capital financing gap of about USD 20–25 million per year; it is expected to support the creation of 10,000 jobs.
- By December 2031, the project plans to support 28,000 young people completing advanced skills training, help 800 startups enter pre-seed, seed, or global accelerator programs, promote venture investment in more than 50 companies, and mobilize at least USD 60 million in private capital.
- USD 20 million will be deployed through a fund-of-funds structure managed by Alem Capital Management, with accelerator programs connecting Kazakhstan’s founders to global networks and foreign hubs.
- The project is financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and implemented by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development together with Astana Hub and Alem Capital Management, aligned with Kazakhstan’s National Development Plan to 2029 and the 2024–2029 AI Development Concept.
- World Bank research shows that firms in Europe and Central Asia adopting AI-related software are on average 10–20% more productive; Kazakhstan’s ICT exports rose from USD 132 million in 2019 to USD 1.1 billion in 2025.
Original excerpt: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a JPY 11,999.7 million ($75 million equivalent) loan to enable the creation, commercialization, and scale-up of technology startups, supporting productivity-driven growth and economic diversification in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Key facts
- The World Bank approved an 11,999.7 million yen loan for Kazakhstan.
- The ALEM project focuses on developing a pool of digital professionals, high-performance computing, robotics prototyping infrastructure, and growth-stage venture capital financing.
- The ALEM project plans to support 28,000 young people in completing advanced skills training by December 2031.
- The ALEM project plans to help 800 startups enter pre-seed, seed, or global accelerator programs.
- Kazakhstan’s ICT exports increased from US$132 million in 2019 to US$1.1 billion in 2025.
- World Bank research shows that companies in Europe and Central Asia adopting AI-related software have, on average, 10—20% higher productivity.
FAQ
How much did the World Bank approve in lending?
The World Bank’s Executive Board approved an 11,999.7 million yen loan, equivalent to approximately US$75 million, to support the creation, commercialization, and scaling of tech startups in Kazakhstan.
Which areas does the ALEM project primarily cover?
The project focuses on developing a pool of digital professionals, high-performance computing, robotics prototyping infrastructure, and addressing an annual growth-stage venture capital financing gap of approximately US$20 million to US$25 million.
What startup and talent-development objectives is the ALEM project planned to support?
The project plans to support 28,000 young people in completing advanced skills training by December 2031, help 800 startups enter pre-seed, seed, or global accelerator programs, and promote venture capital investment in more than 50 companies.
Who is responsible for financing and implementing the ALEM project?
The project is financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and implemented by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan in partnership with Astana Hub and Alem Capital Management.
What economic impact is the project expected to have?
The World Bank says the support is intended to advance productivity-led growth and economic diversification. The ALEM project is expected to support the creation of 10,000 jobs and mobilize at least US$60 million in private capital.