The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MAIDD RK), together with National Information Technologies JSC (NITEC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Open-Source Public Organizations Readiness Assessment (OSPORA) programme to evaluate the readiness of Kazakhstan’s government agencies to transition to open-source solutions.

To support governments in their transition to open-source solutions, UNDP’s Digital, AI and Innovation Centre, with the support of the Government of France, is implementing the “Open-Source Public Organizations Readiness Assessment” (OSPORA) initiative. The initiative helps countries assess their ability to adopt, scale, and manage open-source software. OSPORA is aimed at strengthening policies, governance systems, and institutional capacity throughout the process of national digital transformation. As part of the initiative, countries are offered a structured approach that enables them to assess their level of readiness, engage national leaders, and identify concrete steps for establishing Open-Source Programme Office functions within the broader digital transformation agenda.

As part of the programme’s implementation, training on the fundamentals of open-source technologies has begun in Astana for representatives of NITEC, various ministries, the Digital Government Support Centre (DGSC), and Kazdream IT Holding. In addition, all stakeholders will participate in interviews for the subsequent assessment of the country’s readiness. At the next stage of the initiative, experts from MAIDD RK and NITEC, together with UNDP, will complete the readiness assessment report, identifying key gaps and opportunities, and preparing practical recommendations to accelerate the adoption of open-source solutions in Kazakhstan.

Participation in OSPORA will give Kazakhstani specialists access to global expertise and practical tools. Their application will help the country accelerate digital transformation, enhance the maturity of public service architecture, and establish engagement with both global and local open-source communities.

Joining OSPORA is an important step for Kazakhstan toward a more open, secure, and innovative digital future. Strengthening national capacity in open-source technology governance will contribute to:

• increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of public services;
• strengthening technological independence;
• developing the national ecosystem of developers and digital innovators;
• improving the integration of government systems;
• expanding collaboration with global digital public goods communities.

Commitment to open-source principles enables Kazakhstan to strengthen its position as a regional leader in digital government, including areas such as open artificial intelligence and digital healthcare.

Earlier, the Republic of Kazakhstan expressed its interest in systematically working with open technologies. In mid-2024, NITEC submitted an official application to join the OSPORA initiative implemented by UNDP. The application emphasizes the national commitment to implementing open practices in government processes. For Kazakhstan, this will be an important step toward strengthening technological sovereignty, modernizing digital governance, and reducing dependence on proprietary solutions.

For reference: National Information Technologies JSC is an operator of e-Gov ICT infrastructure, artificial intelligence and Government Intranet, and also performs system and technical maintenance of information systems for central and regional government agencies.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maidd/press/news/details/1112771?lang=kk