Kazakhstan Roundup: 40% surge in ecotourism, $10b industrial projects, new renewable energy projects

Kazakhstan sees 40% surge in ecotourism over 3 years

Kazakhstan is experiencing growing interest in ecotourism, with visitor numbers rising from 2 million in 2022 to 2.8 million in 2024—a 40% increase, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Popular national parks near Almaty, including Ile-Alatau, Charyn, Altyn-Emel, and Kolsai Lakes, continue to attract visitors. To support sustainable tourism, infrastructure such as visitor centres, campsites, and glamping facilities is being developed across 14 parks. Eight modern visitor centres have already been opened, offering insights into ecosystems and promoting responsible travel. This ecotourism growth aids both conservation and local economic development.

Kazakhstan launches first national committee for International Volunteer Year 2026

Kazakhstan has become the first country to establish a National Organising Committee for the International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026. The committee was launched on 12 May 2025 in Astana, with participation from the government, civil society, private sector, and Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of UN Volunteers (UNV). The country played a key role in initiating the UN resolution proclaiming 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. The new committee will lead national efforts, promote volunteerism across sectors, and align with the global IVY 2026 vision. “Kazakhstan is turning global promises into real, impactful actions,” said Kurbanov. The move sets a precedent for other nations to follow, as UNV continues supporting IVY 2026 implementation worldwide.

Kazakhstan advances $10 billion industrial projects in key sectors

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, chaired a meeting on major industrial projects aimed at strengthening the country’s export-oriented chemical and metallurgical sectors. Backed by President Tokayev’s directive, five projects totalling $10 billion in investment are underway, expected to create over 8,700 permanent jobs. In the Abay region, a copper smelting plant with a 300,000-tonne capacity is under construction, generating over 1,000 jobs. Karaganda’s $3.5 billion Qarmet modernisation project aims to boost coal and steel output and create 2,000 jobs by 2028. In Kostanay, a $1.2 billion hot-briquetted iron plant is being developed, focusing on eco-friendly metallurgy and 1,000 new jobs.

Kazakhstan, UAE seal $5 billion in deals at business forum

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the Kazakhstan-UAE Business Forum, reaffirming their commitment to deepen trade and investment ties. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic reforms aligned with OECD standards and introduced the Investment Board to support foreign investors, including those from the UAE. The forum resulted in commercial agreements worth around $5 billion across key sectors. The event featured sessions on digital tech, finance, urban development, and green economy, along with B2B meetings. The UAE delegation included major firms like Masdar, AMEA Power, and Abu Dhabi Ports Group. Tokayev expressed confidence in the successful execution of the signed agreements.

Masdar to develop major renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan

Abu Dhabi’s Masdar has announced plans to develop new renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Kazakhstan, supporting the country's clean energy goals. Partnering with Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna, Masdar will explore a 24/7 project to deliver up to 500 MW of baseload renewable energy and 2 GW of BESS capacity. The agreement was formalised in Astana in the presence of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Kazakhstan aims to generate 15% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and 50% by 2050. Masdar is already developing a 1 GW wind farm with 600 MWh storage—one of the region’s largest. Construction is set to begin in 2026. Masdar CEO Mohamed Al Ramahi called Kazakhstan a key strategic partner and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to energy security, economic diversification, and climate action. Masdar, active in over 40 countries, is targeting 100 GW in global capacity by 2030.