Kazakhstan has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40) to expand its smart city infrastructure. The agreement is intended to integrate Kazakhstan’s regions into a global network of technology companies and investors.

The partnership, which will be managed through the country’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, focuses on the deployment of AI-driven digital governance and smart city technologies. One of the first steps will be the creation of a portfolio of “Smart Region” projects to be presented to international investors. The ministry also plans to host an international smart city forum in Astana later this year.

DEC40 is an international organisation that facilitates the exchange of digital solutions and best practices between cities, research institutions, and technology firms. The agreement will provide Kazakh regions with direct access to expert exchanges and educational programmes focused on urban digital transformation.

In a separate development, Uzbekistan and Spain have discussed preparations for an international forum in Tashkent to promote agricultural technology and water-saving innovations. The “Spain–C5+Azerbaijan” format aims to foster economic cooperation between Spain and Central Asian nations.

“Our goal is not only to introduce advanced technologies, but also to create conditions enabling every region to implement its own AI Native City projects with the involvement of international partners,” said Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.