Kazakhstan in September 2026: Kurultai, Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi and Key Decisions of the Month

September was marked by the launch of new political institutions, economic and digitalization-related decisions, and an intensified international investment agenda. Key developments included the start of the Kurultai and Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi, the election of Erlan Koshanov as Chair of Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi, the framework for the national budget for the next three years, the development of the digital assets market, new measures to support Kazakhstan’s domestic IT sector, and expanded international economic cooperation.

Below are the key events of September in chronological order.

September 1 — Annual inflation slowed to 9.8%

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, annual inflation stood at 9.8%, compared with 10.2% a month earlier. Food prices increased by 9.5%, non-food prices by 11.4%, and paid services by 8.9%.

September 7 — National Bank cuts the base rate to 16.25%

The regulator continued its monetary policy easing cycle: the base rate stood at 17% in June and 16.75% in July, before being reduced to 16.25% in September, with a ±1 percentage point corridor. The National Bank linked the decision, among other factors, to the continued slowdown in inflation.

September 7 — Kazakhstan’s GDP growth reached 4.1% in the first half of the year

The Bureau of National Statistics released preliminary data showing the highest growth rates in construction at 15.2%, manufacturing at 9.8%, and transport and warehousing at 7.1%. Manufacturing made the largest contribution to overall GDP growth.

September 8 — Government presents new approaches to workforce training

The Cabinet of Ministers meeting discussed updating specialist training to meet the needs of the economy and labor market. The discussion involved the heads of the ministries responsible for education, science, labour, industry, agriculture, transport, and energy.

September 10 — Kurultai adopts its Rules of Procedure

At its second meeting, the deputies adopted a document establishing the internal organization and procedures governing the work of the country’s new supreme representative body.

September 12-16 — President of Kazakhstan visited India and the Republic of Korea

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a working visit to India to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, where he addressed the BRICS Plus session and held a number of bilateral meetings. The visit focused on multilateral cooperation, the development of transport and logistics links, and technological cooperation.

From September 14 to 16, the President paid a state visit to the Republic of Korea, where he held talks with President Lee Jae Myung and met with the heads of Korean companies. On September 16, Tokayev participated in the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit, where the parties discussed trade, investment, energy, digitalization, and transport and logistics cooperation. Commercial agreements worth approximately $19 billion were signed following the visit.

September 15 — Digital Assets Industry Development Plan approved

The Government, together with the National Bank, approved a plan comprising 65 measures across 10 areas. The plan provides for the broader use of digital assets and the development of a regulated and competitive industry.

September 17 — The draft republican budget for 2027–2029 presented at the Kurultai

The budget is based on an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.4%. For 2027, KZT 3.7 trillion has been allocated to priority development areas. The Government also plans to gradually reduce the budget deficit to 0.4% of GDP by 2029 and decrease the budget’s dependence on transfers from the National Fund.

September 21 — Priority procurement mechanism for Kazakhstani IT solutions launched

Companies within the Samruk-Kazyna group were given the opportunity to procure ready-made digital products developed by Astana Hub residents through a simplified procedure. The pilot mechanism will operate until 1 July 2027.

September 23–24 — First session of Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi held

The new constitutional institution began its work in Astana. Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi was established as the country’s highest consultative body representing the interests of the people of Kazakhstan. Its functions include preparing proposals on domestic policy, social harmony, national unity, and national values.

At the opening of the first session, the President proposed Erlan Koshanov as Chair of the Council. The session continued on 24 September.

September 23 — AI MONTH 2026 launched in Kazakhstan

The month-long programme brought together events focused on artificial intelligence, education, startups, and the digital economy. The central event will be the international AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, scheduled to take place in Astana on October 1–3.

September 25 — Kazakhstan and China sign 10 agreements on new projects

The agreements were signed in Almaty as part of the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum. The projects cover aluminum production, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, the chemical industry, investment financing, and infrastructure. Among the projects are wind power facilities with a combined capacity of 450 MW in the Akmola Region and the establishment of a specialized investment fund under the Astana International Financial Centre.

September 24–25 — Caspian tragedy and national mourning

On September 24, a tragic incident occurred during naval exercises of the Kazakh Armed Forces in the Caspian Sea, resulting in the deaths of 14 service members. September 25 was declared a National Day of Mourning in Kazakhstan.

September 26–27 — Commission established to review the Ministry of Defence; Defence Minister has been dismissed

Following the tragic incident in the Caspian Sea, on September 26 President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a comprehensive review of the state of affairs in the Ministry of Defence, including the financial and logistical support of military units. The commission was headed by Deputy Chair of the Security Council Aida Balayeva, with Alikhan Smailov, Chair of the Supreme Audit Chamber, appointed as her deputy. The commission was instructed to submit preliminary findings within seven days.

On September 27, by presidential decree, Dauren Kosanov was relieved of his position as Minister of Defence. Aidos Myrzakhmetov, Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces, was appointed to this position.

September 28 — Government reviewed preliminary economic development results for the first nine months

At the end of the month, the Government reviewed preliminary indicators of the country’s socio-economic development. It was also noted that over 33 years of cooperation, Kazakhstan and the World Bank have implemented more than 50 projects worth over $8 billion.

September 28–29 — Official visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Germany

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in the Federal Republic of Germany at the invitation of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The programme included talks with Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as meetings with representatives of German businesses, financial institutions, universities, and research organizations. The President also participated in business forums in Berlin and Munich.

The economic agenda of the visit focused on further developing Kazakhstan–Germany cooperation, including strategic materials, industry, energy, technology, and investment.

Key Takeaways of the Month

September marked a transition from institutional reforms to their practical implementation. The Kurultai and Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi began their work, while the budget framework for 2027–2029 was established. The economic agenda was characterised by a slowdown in inflation and a reduction in the base rate, alongside continued positive GDP growth. At the same time, the digital agenda gained further momentum, ranging from the regulation of digital assets to support for domestic IT companies and the launch of AI MONTH. International engagement during the month focused on investment cooperation with China and strengthening economic ties with Germany.