Kazakhstan to build Central Asia’s first Tier IV data center in Astana
4,000-rack facility aims to double national capacity, boost cyber sovereignty, and position Kazakhstan as digital leader
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — A new Tier IV data center, the first of its kind in Central Asia, will be built in Astana by early 2026, marking a major step in Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure ambitions.
The announcement was made by Vladislav Minkevich, CEO of Akashi Data Center, in comments reported by local media outlet DKnews.kz. The facility will accommodate 4,000 server racks, effectively doubling Kazakhstan’s current computing capacity and addressing the country’s growing demand for secure, high-performance data storage.
Kazakhstan had around 3,800 server racks as of late 2024, nearly all of which are already in use, according to Minkevich. This saturation has slowed digital transformation efforts and hindered the entry of new tech-driven enterprises.
Designed to meet the strict standards of Tier IV certification, the upcoming facility will guarantee a maximum of just 26 minutes of downtime per year. This level of reliability is crucial for sectors such as finance, banking, and government, where operational continuity is critical.
Beyond reliability, the center is also being positioned as a tool of national cybersecurity and digital sovereignty. With the ability to store and process data domestically, Kazakhstan will be better equipped to defend against external cyber threats, maintain access to key resources, and reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure in the event of geopolitical tensions or sanctions.
“It’s essential to have our own processing infrastructure to ensure continued access to familiar resources, websites, and documents,” Minkevich said. “In the event of geopolitical conflict, sanctions, or third-party disruptions, nothing will compromise Kazakhstan’s cyber sovereignty.”
Astana was chosen for the site due to its growing role in the region’s tech ecosystem. Its proximity to major innovation hubs like Astana Hub and the Astana International Financial Centre — both of which offer legal and tax advantages — make it an attractive base for international and domestic tech firms.
Officials expect the project to spur economic growth, attract global tech companies, and position Kazakhstan as a digital economy leader in the region.