The Race for Artificial Intelligence. How Ready Are Central Asian Countries for AI Implementation?
The Oxford Insights think tank annually publishes the Government AI Readiness Index, a ranking that assesses countries' ability to implement and utilize artificial intelligence technologies. The index analyzes several key parameters: government effectiveness and policies, technological infrastructure, availability of qualified personnel, and the level of innovation.
🇰🇿Kazakhstan confirmed its status as a leader in Central Asia, ranking 60th among 193 countries globally. Its progress is most impressive: the country has climbed 16 positions in one year. This leap demonstrates a targeted policy for developing the digital economy and the AI sector. Kazakhstan is actively developing its regulatory framework, investing in infrastructure, and implementing educational programs to train specialists. Maintaining its leadership in the region now comes with a new challenge: keeping up with the world's most advanced countries.
🇺🇿Uzbekistan is hot on its heels. While the country ranked 87th in 2023, it improved its position by 2025, moving up 25 places to 62nd. This progress is the result of large-scale reforms in public administration and digitalization, the creation of specialized AI institutes, and the involvement of international experts.
Compared to the success of the two leaders, the other Central Asian republics demonstrate more modest results.
🇰🇬Kyrgyzstan ranks 116th in the current index. The country has an active IT community and potential for software development. However, significant progress in the AI readiness rankings requires systematic efforts at the government level.
🇹🇯Tajikistan ranked 131st in 2024, but fell four places in 2025, reaching 135th place. This may indicate both increased competition on the global stage and the need to intensify efforts to digitalize public services and create incentives for technological innovation.
🇹🇲Turkmenistan ranks last on the regional list, ranking 166th.
This creates a digital divide in the region: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are beginning to integrate into the global AI ecosystem, while their neighbors risk remaining on the periphery.
#CentralAsia #Kazakhstan #Tajikistan #Uzbekistan #Kyrgyzstan #Turkmenistan #Afghanistan
