08 June 2026, 22:30
In the first four months of 2026, Kazakhstan’s capital continues to demonstrate dynamic growth in key macroeconomic indicators. Astana confidently maintains leading positions in attracting investment, construction volumes, and the pace of diversification of the manufacturing industry. These results have become possible thanks to the consistent implementation of the instructions of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on industrial development and modernization, investment attraction, and improving the quality of life of the population.
Last year, the gross regional product of the capital reached 18.9 trillion tenge. With a population of 1.7 million people, the country’s main city already accounts for 11.9% of the entire national GDP, consolidating Astana’s status as the locomotive of the national economy.
What lies behind these figures and how large-scale infrastructure, industrial, and social projects are changing the lives of capital residents — read in the review by the editorial team of primeminister.kz.
Industrialization: Focus on the Manufacturing Sector and Digitalization
In January–April 2026, Astana’s industrial complex produced goods worth 1.3 trillion tenge, showing a physical volume index of 116.5%. The manufacturing sector remains the main driver of this growth, accounting for the lion’s share of output — 1.2 trillion tenge.
The core of growth continues to be Industrial Park No. 1. This year, the launch of 28 new projects worth 139.8 billion tenge is planned here, which will create about 600 permanent jobs. Among successful examples of modernization is LLP “Autocomponents KZ”, which since last year has reached its design capacity of up to 400 units of special and fire-fighting equipment per year.
At the same time, Astana is strengthening its status as a technological hub within the framework of the “smart city” concept:
Energy Security and Sovereign Eco-Utilization
Fulfilling the instructions of the Head of State on modernization of the energy sector, the capital has eliminated the shortage of thermal capacity. Thanks to the commissioning of the first stage of CHP-3 and the gas thermal stations “Turan” and “South-East”, Astana’s thermal capacity has increased by 30% immediately (+1,100 Gcal/hour).
To ensure a long-term reserve at CHP-3, this year the adaptation of equipment for the use of coal as a reserve fuel is being completed, including the launch of a crushing unit and railway infrastructure. In addition, a 500 MW combined-cycle gas turbine unit is being designed with private investment. The gas thermal station “Telmana” under construction will be commissioned in 2027.
Changes also await the waste management system. The current city landfill is filled with 2.2 million tons, in connection with which construction has begun on the unique “Ecopark Energy Astana” waste-to-energy plant in partnership with Shenzhen Energy Group Co. Ltd.
The project implementation period is three years, with a plant capacity of 550 thousand tons of solid household waste per year. It is expected that the enterprise will create 90 permanent jobs, with personnel training abroad. The station’s capacity will allow generating 330 million kWh annually, of which 280 million kWh of clean electric energy will be supplied directly to the city’s energy system.
Investment and Construction Boom
In the first four months of 2026, the volume of investments in fixed capital in Astana reached 588 billion tenge, showing a growth of 9.1% compared to the same period last year. Thus, the capital ranks first in the republic in this indicator, attracting a significant amount of inflows, including 454.5 billion tenge in private investment. At the same time, the volume of construction works amounted to 259 billion tenge (+8.2%).
Housing construction shows high rates: 1.4 million m² of housing was commissioned (+3.5%). Economic activity was directly reflected in budget replenishment: tax and payment receipts to the city budget grew by a record 28.6%, amounting to 1.4 trillion tenge. At the same time, the annual budget plan of the city for 2026 is approved at 1.4 trillion tenge, where the share of own revenues exceeds 83% (1.2 trillion tenge).
Relieving Traffic Congestion: New Transport Map of the Capital
The development of Astana’s road and transport network is aimed at eliminating traffic jams and integrating new districts. In 2026, medium repairs covered about 50 streets with a total length of 60 km.
At the same time, strategic facilities are being built at an accelerated pace:
1. Tlendiyeva – Beisekoyeva Interchange:
At the two-level transport interchange, engineering network laying works have been completed by 90%. Installation of all 8 stages of the span structure has been finished. This year, the facility will be fully asphalted and opened to traffic along with the exits.
2. Breakthrough of Tauelsizdik Avenue:
The first stage of construction of an 8-lane highway on the section from Kabanbay Batyr Avenue to E485 Street continues. The new road is designed to redistribute traffic flows and relieve the critically overloaded Mangilik El and Turan avenues.
Extension of Tole Bi Street:
3. On the section from R. Baglanova Street to Uly Dala Avenue, the lower layer of asphalt concrete pavement has been laid, curb stones have been installed, and pedestrian sidewalks are being arranged.
Social Vector: Eliminating School Shortages and New Medical Centers
Astana’s budget maintains a pronounced social orientation. 351.6 billion tenge has been allocated for financing the education system in 2026. These funds are planned to be used to build 12 extensions to existing schools with 6,602 places, begin construction of a new school with 1,200 places, and design another 11 facilities. According to the General Plan until 2035, about 140 new schools will appear in Astana. In addition, two Palaces of Schoolchildren and six kindergartens will open this year.
An important step in supporting non-resident youth was the commissioning, under a public-private partnership, of a modern student dormitory on Beibitshilik Street with 938 places for college students, which made it possible to close more than 70% of the existing shortage of places. The building is equipped with a Face ID system, a startup acceleration center, and is fully adapted to an inclusive barrier-free environment.
26 billion tenge has been allocated to the healthcare system. Due to a 35% increase in the birth rate over the decade, special attention is paid to perinatal services.
Labor Market Stability and SME Support
The labor market situation in the capital remains stable. The unemployment rate in Astana in the first quarter stood at 4.3%, which is below the national average of 4.5%. At the same time, the average monthly wage reached 560 thousand tenge.
In the first four months of the year, 7,593 new jobs were created in the city. Through career centers, employment promotion measures covered more than 6.1 thousand people, half of whom are youth under 35 years old. Short-term training tools are actively used, including with VR technologies for in-demand working specialties: welding, turning, and locksmithing.
In the small and medium-sized business sector, qualitative and financial growth is noted. There are 246 thousand small and medium-sized business entities operating here, providing employment for about 560 thousand people. The contribution of SMEs to the city’s overall economy reached a record 66%.
At the same time, in monetary terms, SME output last year increased by 20.7%, reaching an impressive 21 trillion tenge. To maintain this momentum and support socially vulnerable segments of the population, it is planned to allocate 260 non-repayable grants for new business ideas in the amount of 400 MRI each in Astana in 2026.
#Economy #Education #Healthcare #Industry #Investments #Manufacturing industry #President's instruction
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