Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Announces Plans to Launch Crypto City & AI Hub

Kazakhstan is set to introduce a new pilot zone named CryptoCity, where cryptocurrencies will be used for payments and digital innovation. The announcement was made by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the Astana International Forum 2025. This initiative aims to build a regulated environment that supports digital asset adoption and blockchain development.

Kazakhstan CryptoCity to Pioneer Cryptocurrency Payments

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the government’s plan to create CryptoCity as a pioneering pilot zone. In this area, cryptocurrencies will be accepted for purchasing goods, services, and real estate. The project is designed as a sandbox where the legal use of digital currencies will be tested under regulatory oversight.

The initiative intends to make cryptocurrency a recognized payment method, helping to attract developers and investors.

“We are planning to create a pioneering pilot zone called CryptoCity where cryptocurrencies might be used for purchasing goods, services, and even beyond,” Tokayev stated in his speech.

Kazakhstan’s authorities aim to build a legislative framework to allow free circulation of cryptocurrencies within this zone. The pilot will enable businesses and consumers to transact with digital assets while regulators monitor compliance and risks.

Alatau Selected as Site for CryptoCity

The city of Alatau was chosen to host CryptoCity due to its existing technology and research infrastructure. Alatau is home to Kazakhstan’s Innovation Technology Park and several scientific institutions, making it suitable for blockchain and digital finance development.

Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev explained that the government and regulators are finalizing details but favor Alatau for the project. The area’s established tech base is expected to create synergies and encourage economic growth following other countries like the US and China move into cryptocurrency adoption.

“The concept is that cryptocurrency would be used as a means of payment — to pay in restaurants, cafes, buy real estate, make investments,” Madiyev said. The city is already under development to support crypto-friendly legislation and technology. This move is concurrent with Bitget Wallet, a non-custodial crypto wallet, which has partnered with payments platform Coinpal to make it easier for users to spend digital assets across a wide range of online retailers.

Integration with Broader Digital Economy Strategy

CryptoCity is a move by Kazakhstan towards developing its digital economy. By introducing a central bank digital currency in 2024, the country cut down the processing time for tax refunds. The new pilot zone will enable businesses to work legally with digital assets beyond public sector projects.

The government is creating rules that will allow people to use cryptocurrencies in the retail, hotel and property industries. By introducing this, officials anticipate it will entice IT specialists, offer employment and position Kazakhstan as a leader in blockchain innovation among Central Asian nations. Authorities hope to test blockchain-based ID systems and tax systems within the virtual area of CryptoCity. Insights gathered in the pilot zone will inform the nation’s future digital finance laws and regulations.

Alongside Kazakhstan’s crypto initiatives, other countries are advancing their digital asset strategies with Pakistan recently unveiling its first government-led strategic Bitcoin reserve.

President Kassym Tokayev Vision for Innovation and Stability

The president pointed out the need for governments to be innovative while continuing to provide stability. He detailed new improvements being put in place to modernize Kazakhstan’s government and economy. They comprise reducing the number of terms a president can serve and increasing parliament’s authority.

According to the President, investments in education and technology will make Kazakhstan’s economy more diverse and fair for all. He emphasized, “We are greatly advancing with digital transformation, revealing our plans to become the leading IT hub in Eurasia.”

Tokayev also addressed global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and climate change, while stressing Kazakhstan’s commitment to peaceful development. The CryptoCity project aligns with the country’s goal to develop future-ready economic systems.