Kazakhstan And The World Bank Discuss A New Country Partnership Framework For 2026–2031.

Astana, Kazakhstan; February 2026: Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan & Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held a meeting with representatives of the World Bank Group to discuss the development of a new Country Partnership Framework with Kazakhstan for 2026–2031.

In his opening address, Serik Zhumangarin emphasised the strategic nature of cooperation and expressed appreciation for the preparation of the document outlining the framework for engagement through 2031.

“We highly value our partnership with the World Bank. The proposed strategy creates a foundation to support our reforms through expertise, financing, and joint initiatives”, the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

The priorities set out in the draft strategy:

• the development of transport and digital connectivity,
• the climate agenda,
• improving the quality of services in the water and energy sectors,
• developing financial markets, stimulating private investment,
• expanding the use of renewable energy sources

The World Bank has expressed its readiness to provide financing of up to $1 billion annually over six years. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, this will create additional conditions to strengthen the private sector, develop infrastructure, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy. Analytical support for reforms will continue under the Joint Economic Research Program of the Government of Kazakhstan and the World Bank.

During the meeting, the parties also reviewed the results of the previous 2020–2025 Strategy. Over this period, 14 projects were implemented with a total value of $4.2 billion. These included the development of the international transit corridor “Western Europe – Western China”; reconstruction of the Almaty–Khorgos highway; modernisation of irrigation and drainage systems, among others.

Andrei Mikhnev, World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, noted that the past period was marked by several external challenges, including the pandemic. Cooperation between the parties contributed to the implementation of planned initiatives and the achievement of tangible results. According to him,

• The “East–West” and “South–West” projects supported the development of the “Western Europe – Western China” transport corridor and improved connectivity for more than 05 million people. Travel time decreased by two-thirds, traffic speed tripled, and transport costs were reduced by 35%.

• More than 1,200 permanent jobs were created, and 93% of residents reported improved quality of life.

• Support for small and medium-sized businesses provided grant and advisory assistance to more than one thousand enterprises. A total of 175 startups generated $41 million in sales and attracted $16 million in investment.

• The irrigation infrastructure modernisation project improved water-use efficiency across 92,000 hectares, benefiting 94,000 water users, including 60,000 farmers. A total of 763 km of canals were rehabilitated, contributing to higher crop yields and job creation. Additional analytical support was provided for reforming the agricultural subsidy system.

Representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) stated their intention to continue advisory support for public-private partnership projects and investment activities, including lending and expanding private investor participation. A successful example is the financing project for the Almaty Bypass Railway involving Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.

Further priorities include modernisation of railway infrastructure, support for micro and small businesses through financial institutions, development of the agro-industrial complex, including financing for modern agricultural machinery supplies and deep grain processing projects.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to refine the draft strategy taking into account the proposals discussed and to submit it for consideration by the World Bank Board of Directors.

Team Maverick.