Day: June 2, 2025

Kazakhstan is strengthening its ties with Africa through strategic, long-term partnerships grounded in mutual benefit and respect, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov stated during the panel session “Kazakhstan and Africa: New Frontiers of Cooperation” at the Astana International Forum on May 30.

The session focused on deepening collaboration in trade, industrial development, technology exchange, and sustainable growth. Attendees included Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Denis Christel Sassou N’Guesso, Congo’s Minister of International Cooperation; and Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the traditional ruler of Ife, Nigeria.

According to Kuantyrov, trade between Kazakhstan and African countries rose by 15% in 2024, reaching $783 million. He highlighted growing interest in bilateral investment, particularly in agriculture, logistics, digital technologies, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing.

“Kazakhstan approaches its dialogue with Africa not from a donor perspective, but as an equal partner,” Kuantyrov said. “We are ready to trade, co-invest, and share experience in green energy, digital governance, agri-processing, and logistics. As Africa becomes a center of global growth, the time is right to build multidimensional partnerships based on mutual respect, pragmatism, and sustainable development.”

Sectoral Opportunities and Joint Ventures

The discussion outlined specific areas of cooperation, such as the supply of halal and organic products to African markets and the creation of joint agri-processing clusters. Kuantyrov noted that Kazakhstan, one of the world’s top flour exporters, is well positioned to contribute to food security across the continent.

Additional areas of proposed collaboration included telecommunications infrastructure, smart city solutions, and satellite technologies. Kuantyrov underscored Kazakhstan’s readiness to partner with African nations in developing advanced digital ecosystems.

One example of African investment in Kazakhstan is a $33 million full-cycle pharmaceutical plant being built by Egyptian firm EIPICO. The project signals a growing reciprocal interest in industrial collaboration.

Kazakhstan-Nigeria Roundtable Highlights Shared Priorities

On the sidelines of the forum, a Kazakhstan-Nigeria roundtable convened representatives from Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial and IT sectors and Nigerian business leaders in finance and technology. The discussion centered on expanding economic ties, with particular attention to the export of Kazakh agricultural goods and cooperation on digitalization and urban innovation.

The dialogue affirmed that both sides see strong potential in leveraging their respective strengths to drive sustainable growth and economic modernization.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to significantly boost bilateral trade, aiming to reach $3 billion annually by 2030. The pledge was made during a meeting between Daniyar Amangeldiyev, First Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, and Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum on May 30.

In 2024, trade between the two countries totaled $1.7 billion. The new target reflects a strategic initiative set by the presidents of both nations to deepen economic integration.

Roadmap for Trade Expansion

At the meeting, officials discussed a draft roadmap to accelerate bilateral trade. Zhumangarin noted that Kazakhstan is prepared to increase its exports to Kyrgyzstan by more than $260 million, with a focus on petrochemicals, food products, and metallurgy.

In the first quarter of 2025, trade between the two countries reached $435.1 million, a 25.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Kazakhstan’s exports stood at $341.9 million, while imports from Kyrgyzstan totaled $93.3 million.

Agriculture: A Key Growth Sector

Agricultural products now account for 20% of bilateral trade, and this figure continues to rise. In Q1 2025, trade in agricultural goods surged by 40.7%. Kazakhstan exported 3,400 tons of grain and 10,900 tons of flour to Kyrgyzstan during this period.

In a notable development, Kazakhstan has approved Kyrgyzstan’s proposal to establish a “green-light” corridor at the border, ensuring the unhindered passage of early-season fruits and vegetables from Kyrgyzstan.

Major Logistics Hub to Boost Connectivity

A flagship joint project is the creation of an Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex at the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border. Located near the Karasu and Ak-Tilek checkpoints, the hub is poised to become one of Central Asia’s largest cargo distribution centers, supporting the consolidation, processing, and transit of goods.

Land has already been allocated for the project: 50 hectares on the Kazakh side and 40 hectares on the Kyrgyz side. An investor has been identified, and work on a master plan and feasibility study is currently underway.

To support this initiative, Kazakhstan has established the Alatau industrial zone in the Zhambyl region. The zone will host facilities for agricultural processing, as well as the production of consumer goods and building materials.

Infrastructure Connectivity: Almaty-Issyk-Kul Highway Project

The meeting also touched on the long-anticipated construction of an alternative highway linking Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, with Lake Issyk-Kul, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most popular tourist destinations. The project is expected to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate tourism and trade between the two countries.