Kazakhstan has signed a US$10 billion agreement with Firebird AI for proposed Data Center Valley project, backed by global semiconductor major NVIDIA. The project is expected to boost development of large-scale AI infrastructure, sovereign computing capacity and digital innovation ecosystems across the country.
Kazakhstan moves to establish Central Asia’s largest AI and data center ecosystem
The $10 billion agreement with US-based AI company Firebird represents one of the largest technology infrastructure commitments ever announced in Central Asia. It is also in-line with Kazakhstan’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons, mining and traditional industries.
Data Center Valley project is also poised as foundational for next-generation AI services, cloud computing and machine learning research.
Kazakhstan has also identified AI and digital infrastructure as national priorities, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev publicly supporting the development of sovereign AI capabilities and advanced computing infrastructure.
Kazakhstan’s Data Center Valley Project Fact Sheet
Location: Ekibastuz
Developer: Firebird AI
Technology Partner: NVIDIA
Kazakhstan-Firebird-NVIDIA Deal Value: US$10 billion
Status: Under development
Key Components: AI factories, supercomputing, cloud infrastructure, data centers
Expected Impact: Regional AI hub development, economic diversification, sovereign AI capabilities, technology sector growth.
What is Kazakhstan’s Data Center Valley Project and why is it important
The $10 billion deal builds on discussions that began earlier this year between Kazakhstan, Firebird AI and NVIDIA representatives regarding the development of large-scale AI infrastructure in the country.
In April 2026, President Tokayev met executives from Firebird AI and NVIDIA to discuss cooperation in designing, constructing and operating advanced AI infrastructure. During the discussions, Kazakhstan highlighted its ambition to become a fully digital nation in the coming years and emphasized plans for the Data Center Valley project in Ekibastuz. The project’s 300 MW phase one development in the region of Pavlodar, expandable to 1 GW, was also announced thereafter with total investments of up to US$30 billion underpinning the initiative.
The proposed Data Center Valley concept seeks to make use of Kazakhstan’s competitive advantages. These include abundant energy resources, available land, expanding fiber connectivity and government support. The initiative also mirrors similar AI infrastructure developments emerging in the Middle East, the Caucasus and parts of Asia, where governments are seeking to secure domestic access to advanced computing resources rather than relying exclusively on overseas cloud providers.
Kazakhstan’s geographic position between Europe and Asia also presents an opportunity to serve as a digital bridge connecting regional markets. This is while supporting growing demand for AI compute capacity across Central Asia and neighboring economies.
Project Scope
With final technical specifications yet to be publicly disclosed, Kazakhstan’s Data Center Valley project is expected to support:
- Large-scale AI data center campuses
- NVIDIA-powered supercomputing clusters
- High-performance cloud computing infrastructure
- AI training facilities
- Research and development hubs
- Digital skills development programs
Kazakhstan’s Data Center Valley project is also expected to utilize NVIDIA’s latest AI accelerator technologies. This would enable the deployment of sovereign AI models, advanced analytics platforms and enterprise-scale machine learning applications.
The project could eventually position Kazakhstan among a growing group of nations investing heavily in domestic AI computing capacity. Kazakhstan is poised to join initiatives currently underway in the US, the Gulf region and parts of Europe.
Project Impact
Economic Diversification
Kazakhstan continues to pursue economic diversification away from extractive industries. The Data Center Valley project could help establish new technology-driven sectors capable of generating high-value employment and attracting foreign direct investment.
Technology Sovereignty
The development of domestic AI compute infrastructure will reduce reliance on external computing resources. This will strengthen national digital resilience. Sovereign AI infrastructure is also increasingly viewed as critical national infrastructure, similar to power generation, telecommunications and transportation networks.
Regional Leadership
The project may position Kazakhstan as the leading AI and cloud computing hub in Central Asia. Data Center Valley project would serve government agencies, universities, research institutions and private enterprises throughout the region.
Talent Development
Kazakhstan’s $10 billion AI initiative with Firebird and NVIDIA is also expected to stimulate growth in local technology ecosystems. This will create opportunities for software developers, data scientists, AI researchers and digital entrepreneurs.
Development Outlook on Central Asia’s largest AI and data center ecosystem in Kazakhstan
The $10 billion Kazakhstan-Firebird AI partnership for the Data Center Valley project highlights a growing global trend where countries are increasingly investing in sovereign AI infrastructure to secure access to advanced computing resources. As AI becomes increasingly central to economic competitiveness, countries with abundant energy supplies and supportive regulatory frameworks are emerging as attractive destinations for hyperscale data center investment.
For Kazakhstan, the project represents more than a technology investment. It is part of a wider strategy to transform the country’s economy. It will also place Kazakhstan as a regional center for digital innovation, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
If delivered at the announced scale, the US$10 billion Data Center Valley project could become one of the most transformative technology infrastructure developments ever undertaken in Central Asia.
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