Kazakhstan Advances Data Center Valley Project
Kazakhstan is accelerating preparations for the Data Center Valley project aimed at attracting global artificial intelligence companies, hyperscalers, and cloud computing providers, with Ekibastuz selected as the project’s main site.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting on May 25 to review the implementation status of the initiative. Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev and CEO of Kazakhtelecom Bagdat Mussin briefed the Prime Minister on the project’s progress. Governor of the Pavlodar Region Asain Baykhanov also presented updates on engineering and infrastructure preparations.
According to officials, geodetic work at the Ekibastuz site has been completed, while engineering and geological surveys are currently underway. Excavation work for future modular data center facilities has also begun, with construction personnel and equipment already mobilized. Full-scale construction is scheduled to start in June 2026.
The project is expected to become one of Kazakhstan’s largest digital infrastructure initiatives, combining data storage and processing facilities with the development of an artificial intelligence ecosystem, research programs, and startup support initiatives.
During the meeting, officials discussed approaches to energy supply, data processing, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development based on international standards and the requirements of global technology partners.
According to the government, a pool of potential participants has already been formed, including major international technology companies, hyperscalers, and global leaders in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Part of the initiative will also focus on developing Kazakhstan’s domestic AI ecosystem through research programs, workforce training, and startup acceleration initiatives linked to the international AI center alem.ai.
