Huawei strengthens role in Kazakhstan's digital transformation

Over the past two decades, Huawei has emerged as a vital partner in Kazakhstan's journey toward digital modernization, supporting key national priorities through cutting-edge technology, education, and infrastructure development.

Since its entry into the Kazakhstani market in 1998, Huawei has collaborated closely with public and private stakeholders, expanding modern communication networks and enabling inclusive connectivity. Today, the company's solutions cover approximately 85 percent of the country's population, with over 15,000 mobile base stations deployed across the territory.

Deepening strategic cooperation with government institutions

Huawei has consistently aligned its operations with Kazakhstan's national digital development strategies. In recent years, the company has signed a series of memoranda of understanding with various government ministries to promote innovation and accelerate the digital economy.

A milestone agreement with the Ministry of Digital Development, signed in 2022, established plans for a national Digital Hub. This initiative encompasses the expansion of broadband and mobile networks, joint research programs, and capacity-building efforts to nurture domestic expertise.

Huawei has also partnered with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to advance educational transformation. Through collaborations formalized during forums in Astana and Shenzhen, Huawei supports smart classroom solutions, internship programs, and the scaling of ICT Academies within higher education institutions. The recent agreement with the tax authority aims to enhance digital governance, modernize tax administration, and upskill civil servants in line with Kazakhstan's e-government ambitions.

Supporting infrastructure for a smart nation

Beyond policy cooperation, Huawei has played a critical role in implementing tangible technology solutions that address practical challenges.

In collaboration with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company, Huawei introduced a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) in 2024. This solution connects KTZ's Astana headquarters with 16 regional branches, significantly improving data transmission, reliability, and operational efficiency. A new cloud platform, jointly developed by Huawei and KTZ, is set to revolutionize data-driven management in the transport sector by enabling AI and cloud-based applications.

Huawei is also assisting telecom operators in trialing and preparing for commercial 5G rollout, having supported pilot programs in key urban centers since 2019. The company's commitment extends to deploying fiber broadband in underserved areas and developing next-generation networks to support immersive applications such as virtual reality in major cities.

Through energy-efficient technologies and infrastructure innovation, Huawei continues to contribute to Kazakhstan's digital resilience and sustainability, including support for the country's renewable energy objectives.

Cultivating local ICT talent

As part of its long-term commitment to knowledge transfer and human capital development, Huawei has invested in building a robust pipeline of ICT professionals in Kazakhstan.

Working closely with leading universities and government institutions, the company has launched over 45 Huawei ICT Academies, offering hands-on instruction in AI, cloud computing, and network technologies. The goal is to establish more than 50 academies, reaching an estimated 5,000 students nationwide. These academies provide internationally recognized certifications that enhance graduates' career prospects locally and abroad.

Complementing these efforts is the "Seeds for the Future" initiative, which has enabled promising students to participate in global ICT training programs. In 2023, 14 Kazakh undergraduates traveled to Doha to engage in team-based innovation projects under the guidance of Huawei mentors.

Huawei also established an ICT Community to connect students with industry professionals, encourage peer learning, and provide access to employment opportunities. This initiative reflects the company's vision of supporting local youth as the driving force behind Kazakhstan's digital economy.

Huawei's educational initiatives also include AI-Sana, a large-scale digital learning platform launched in 2023. Developed in partnership with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Digital Development, AI-Sana provides open access to courses in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity. The platform has already helped over 150,000 students across the country obtain AI-related certificates, many of which are recognized by major industry employers.

Designed to promote digital inclusion and workforce readiness, AI-Sana is part of Huawei's broader strategy to equip Kazakhstan's youth with in-demand tech skills through flexible, remote learning formats. The initiative continues to grow, playing a key role in the country's efforts to build a competitive knowledge economy.

Kazakhstani students' achievements in Huawei's global ICT Competition further underscore the impact of these educational investments. In 2025, three teams representing Kazakhstan secured gold, silver, and bronze awards, demonstrating the country's growing prowess in ICT and Huawei's role in shaping future technology leaders.

Looking ahead

Huawei's strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and talent development programs continue to align closely with Kazakhstan's digital transformation goals. As the country moves forward on its path to becoming a regional innovation hub, Huawei stands as a trusted and long-term partner in building a smarter, more connected future.