President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakh citizens on the arrival of 2026 and laid out a compact programme of reforms and investments that, he said, will open a new stage in the country’s development. In his New Year address from Astana, Tokayev emphasised last year’s economic gains and signalled priorities for the year ahead, stressing digitalisation, constitutional reform and continued support for social infrastructure.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product rose by 6% in 2025 while foreign exchange reserves exceeded $62 billion. He attributed these results to robust investment flows and the realisation of several major projects, including the opening of the second line of the Dostyk–Moyynty railway, described as the largest rail artery completed since independence.
The president highlighted a broad infrastructure push: construction and repair works on 13,000 kilometres of roads to strengthen Kazakhstan’s transit potential, the commissioning of more than 19 million square metres of housing, and the opening of over 100 schools and roughly 200 healthcare facilities. Tokayev said these measures have directly improved living standards and enabled thousands of families to acquire homes.
State support for agriculture remained a central plank. Farmers achieved a second consecutive strong harvest while the government provided unprecedented financial assistance totalling 1 trillion tenge. Tokayev also noted the opening of branches of leading international universities, underlining efforts to raise education and research standards.
Kazakhstan 2026 modernisation: priorities and reforms
Looking ahead, Tokayev declared 2026 the Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. He said the adoption of advanced technologies will boost productivity across sectors and form a core part of the government’s modernisation agenda. The president also announced plans for a major constitutional reform, which he expects citizens to support as a move to accelerate the country’s development.
Other priorities for 2026 include strengthening energy capacity, addressing water management and advancing transport and logistics projects. Support for small and medium-sized businesses will remain in focus, with plans to launch new enterprises across regions and to continue investments in housing, schools, medical centres and cultural facilities.
Tokayev reaffirmed long-term social commitments: further payments under his “National Fund — for Children” initiative will be made, and the state will sustain support for education, healthcare and cultural figures. He underlined the government’s ongoing campaign to improve urban and rural environments under the national “Taza Kazakhstan” project ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence.
The president also pointed to Kazakhstan’s foreign policy stance, promising constructive diplomacy based on international law and national interest. He noted that Kazakhstan’s proposal led the United Nations to declare 2026 the International Year of Volunteers, a recognition he linked to national values of solidarity and civic service.
Tokayev closed his address with an appeal for unity and hard work, urging citizens — and particularly young people — to be enterprising, disciplined and confident. He expressed hope that the Year of the Horse will bring favourable opportunities and that Kazakhstan will continue to consolidate its social and economic achievements for the benefit of the nation.
Key Takeaways:
- Kazakhstan posted 6% GDP growth in 2025 and reserves topped $62bn, according to President Tokayev.
- Major infrastructure projects advanced, including the second Dostyk–Moyynty rail line and 13,000 km of road works.
- Kazakhstan 2026 modernisation will prioritise digitalisation, AI, constitutional reform and social investment.
- State support continued for housing, agriculture, education and healthcare, with a 1 trillion tenge aid package for farmers.
