World Bank Eyes up to $6 Billion Kazakhstan Package under new Six-Year Plan

Kazakhstan is entering a new phase of large-scale cooperation with the World Bank Group, with potential support of up to $1 billion annually under a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2026–2031.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held talks with World Bank representatives to shape the next six-year strategy, The Caspian Post reported, citing Kazakh media.

Zhumangarin described the partnership as strategic and thanked the Bank for preparing a roadmap to guide joint efforts through 2031. He said Kazakhstan highly values its long-term cooperation with the World Bank, noting that the proposed framework will support reforms through financing, expertise, and joint initiatives.

Key Priorities for 2026–2031

The draft strategy focuses on:

• Transport and digital connectivity

• Climate action and green transition

• Modernization of water and energy services

• Financial market development

• Private investment and competitiveness

• Expansion of renewable energy

The World Bank signaled readiness to allocate up to $1 billion annually over six years to back infrastructure development, private sector growth, and overall economic competitiveness. Analytical support will continue under the Joint Economic Research Program.

Results of the 2020–2025 Framework

Officials also reviewed the outcomes of the current CPF cycle. Over the past five years:

• 14 major projects worth $4.2 billion were implemented

• Key infrastructure upgrades included the Western Europe–Western China transit corridor and reconstruction of the Almaty–Khorgos highway

• Irrigation and drainage systems were modernized, improving water efficiency for 94,000 users

• More than 1,000 enterprises received grants and consulting support

• 175 startups generated $41 million in sales and attracted $16 million in investment

Transport projects alone reduced travel time by two-thirds, tripled average speeds, lowered costs by 35 percent, and created 1,200 permanent jobs.

IFC to Deepen Investment Engagement

Representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) confirmed continued advisory support for public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives and expansion of investment activity. Financing of the Almaty bypass railway was highlighted as a flagship project.

Looking ahead, priority areas include railway modernization, support for micro and small businesses, and development of the agro-industrial sector, including modern agricultural machinery and grain processing.

The draft strategy will now be refined based on proposals from both sides before submission to the World Bank’s Board of Directors.

Earlier reports indicated that World Bank-financed projects are set to launch in seven cities across Kazakhstan, signaling that the next stage of cooperation could significantly reshape key sectors of the national economy.