SAMENA Telecommunications Council has concluded a series of high-level engagements in Astana, Kazakhstan, alongside its participation in AI & Digital Bridge 2026, held from 1–3 October under the theme “Kazakhstan as the Eurasian AI Hub.”
Opened by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Forum brought together government leaders, technology stakeholders, businesses, startups, talent and international participants around artificial intelligence, digital development and the technologies shaping the global economy.
The high-level attention accorded to the Forum reflected the importance Kazakhstan is placing on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, as well as its ambition to strengthen its position within the international technology landscape.
During his participation in Astana, SAMENA Telecommunications Council CEO and Board Member Bocar A. BA held substantive discussions with senior leadership from the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the country’s telecommunications regulatory leadership.
The discussions explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Middle East’s digital ecosystem, particularly across telecommunications, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, policy and regulatory dialogue, innovation, investment and international cooperation.
Commenting on the engagements, Mr. BA said:
“My discussions in Astana reinforced my conviction that Kazakhstan has an important role to play in the digital geography connecting Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Its strategic position, technological ambition and growing focus on artificial intelligence create a strong basis for deeper engagement with our region.”
He added:
“The Middle East has accumulated significant experience in advanced telecommunications, AI, cloud and data infrastructure, digital regulation and technology investment. Kazakhstan is developing its own strong digital ambitions and capabilities. Bringing these ecosystems closer together can create meaningful opportunities for governments, industry, innovators and investors on both sides.”
Building a digital bridge between central Asia and the middle east
For SAMENA Council, the Astana engagements represent an opportunity to broaden cooperation between two digital ecosystems whose interests and capabilities are becoming complementary.
Kazakhstan’s geographic position at the crossroads of major economic regions, combined with its growing technology ecosystem and digital ambitions, provides a natural foundation for stronger engagement with Middle Eastern markets.
The Middle East, in parallel, is witnessing significant development in AI infrastructure, advanced telecommunications, cloud and data centers, digital government, technology investment and innovation.
SAMENA Council sees considerable potential to connect these complementary strengths across future telecommunications networks, AI and digital infrastructure, cloud and data ecosystems, cybersecurity, digital policy and regulation, innovation, investment, skills development and international technology cooperation.
Mr. BA noted:
“The most valuable international partnerships are those that connect complementary capabilities and create practical opportunities. There is considerable scope to bring Kazakhstan’s digital ecosystem into closer engagement with operators, technology companies, policymakers, investors and international institutions across the Middle East.”
“Our ambition should be to identify areas where cooperation can translate into tangible economic, technological and institutional value.”
Astana strengthens its international digital engagement
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 provided an important international platform for industry leaders, technology companies, startups, policymakers and other stakeholders to engage around global technology trends and the development of the AI ecosystem.
Its theme, “Kazakhstan as the Eurasian AI Hub,” reflected the country’s ambition to strengthen international cooperation and deepen its role within the emerging global digital economy.
A further indication of Kazakhstan’s expanding international digital engagement came during the Forum with the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and GSMA to bring M360 to Astana in 2027. Mr. BA attended the signing.
The agreement brings another important international industry platform to Kazakhstan and creates further opportunities to connect the country with the global mobile and technology community.
Commenting on the development, Mr. BA said:
“The decision to bring M360 to Astana is significant. International platforms of this nature create more than visibility: they bring policymakers, operators, technology companies and investors into the same environment and can become catalysts for longer-term cooperation.”
He continued:
“What I witnessed in Astana was a country deliberately widening its international digital engagement. AI & Digital Bridge, together with the future M360 Astana, provides a strong foundation for Kazakhstan to deepen its interaction with the global technology and telecommunications community.”
From engagement to practical cooperation
SAMENA Council intends to maintain its dialogue with Kazakhstan’s digital leadership following the Astana meetings and to explore practical mechanisms through which engagement with the Middle East’s telecommunications and technology ecosystem can be expanded.
This could include greater interaction among policymakers and regulators, telecommunications operators and technology companies, alongside opportunities in AI, digital infrastructure, innovation, investment, cybersecurity, skills and international industry cooperation.
Mr. BA concluded:
“Astana has provided an excellent foundation for what I hope will become a sustained engagement. Kazakhstan brings ambition, talent, strategic geography and a growing technology ecosystem. The Middle East brings advanced digital infrastructure, investment capacity and considerable experience in technology-led economic transformation.”
“There is an opportunity to connect these strengths. SAMENA Council is ready to contribute to building that bridge and, importantly, to turning it into practical cooperation.”
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ABOUT SAMENA TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL
SAMENA Telecommunications Council brings together telecommunications, technology, government and digital ecosystem stakeholders to advance trusted digital development and translate technological progress into economic and societal value.
Through its regional and international engagements, the Council supports dialogue and cooperation across digital policy, infrastructure, investment, innovation and emerging technologies.
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Source: Press Release
