Dushanbe, 29 September 2026 – Kazakhstan announced a new initiative aimed at advancing digital skills and strengthening human capital in African countries. The initiative was unveiled during the ITU Regional Forum for CIS countries, taking place in Dushanbe on 29–30 September.
Under the initiative, Kazakhstan will provide 100 free training places in digital technologies, programming and artificial intelligence for participants from African countries. Particular attention will be given to expanding opportunities for talented young people from least developed countries and landlocked developing countries.
The initiative will be implemented with the support of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and in close cooperation with the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT). The Bureau will facilitate the coordination of outreach and participant selection in cooperation with Kazakhstan’s education and training providers.
Kazakhstan has developed a dynamic digital ecosystem bringing together the alem.ai International Center for Artificial Intelligence, Astana Hub, and a range of educational initiatives in the field of information technology. These include the Tech Orda programme and Tomorrow School, a school of programming and artificial intelligence based on a peer-to-peer learning model.
By extending these educational opportunities to African countries, Kazakhstan aims to share its accumulated experience and contribute to the development of digital competencies beyond its region.
The initiative is intended to support the objectives of the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, advance South-South cooperation, and contribute to ITU’s efforts to bridge the global digital divide.
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its cooperation with ITU in the areas of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation ecosystem development and human capital. The new initiative represents a practical contribution by Kazakhstan to expanding access to modern digital skills and creating new opportunities for young people.
Background:The ITU Regional Forum for CIS countries is being held in Dushanbe on 29–30 September 2026, bringing together representatives of countries from the region, ITU and other stakeholders to discuss digital development priorities and regional cooperation.
