Digital Development and AI: Kostanay Region Moves Toward Systemic Transformation
03.02.2026 17:06:20 261
Active work is underway in the Kostanay region in the field of digital development and the implementation of artificial intelligence. At a meeting with the participation of the head of the region, Kumar Aksakalov, key priorities for further steps were outlined, aimed at transitioning from individual digital solutions to comprehensive digital transformation focused on the regional economy, the efficiency of public administration, and the needs of residents.
The year 2026, declared by the Head of State as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, is seen as an important stage in the transition to data-driven management and the practical application of AI. The main emphasis is on the digitalization of the real sector of the economy – industry, agriculture, housing and communal services, energy, transport and logistics, as well as the social sphere – healthcare and education. The main goal is to ensure economic growth through the introduction of digital technologies and the transition to a unified regional digital ecosystem.
«In 2025, 101 industrial robots were installed at automobile plants, mining and engineering enterprises in the region, and 145 robots are now in operation. Antenna-mast structures have been installed in 44 settlements. About 14 thousand rural residents have gained access to 4G mobile internet. Over the past 3 years, we have managed to provide all 440 schools with high-speed internet. According to the results of the 2025 public monitoring, the Kostanay region took third place, and in the provision of services in electronic form – second place», – noted the akim of the Kostanay region, Kumar Aksakalov.
Today, a sustainable IT ecosystem is being formed in the region. About 340 IT companies are already operating in the region. According to the results of 2025, tax revenues from their activities amounted to about 650 million tenge, which is 30% more than the previous year. At the same time, the export of IT services is growing – regional companies are entering foreign markets with their own digital products and solutions.
Systematic work on the development of digital infrastructure continues. The provision of rural settlements with quality 4G internet shows a steady positive trend: if in 2022 this figure was 60%, then in 2025 it reached 76%.
The digital divide in education has been significantly reduced: if in 2022 only 88 schools (19.4%) had internet with a speed of over 20 Mbps, then in 2025 high-speed internet has been provided to all 440 schools.
In collaboration with the A. Baitursynuly Regional University, work on opening the Tomorrow School International School of Artificial Intelligence (France) will be completed within a month.
Special attention is paid to the integration of information systems. In 2026, their consolidation and transfer to a single platform with integration into the national big data system is planned. This will create conditions for the broader application of analytics and artificial intelligence in management.
In the field of public services, the Kostanay region holds leading positions: first place in online monitoring, second place in the country in the quality of electronic services, and third place in the overall rating based on the results of two studies. The level of public satisfaction remains high. In the future, it is planned to transfer at least 80% of in-demand services to a proactive and mobile format using AI.
Digitalization is becoming an important tool for increasing management efficiency, developing the economy, and improving the quality of life of the region's population.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1153871?lang=kk