Kazakh-French relations continue to strengthen thanks to the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and the French Development Agency (AFD).

Jérémie Pellet, CEO of Expertise France, the French international technical cooperation agency within the AFD Group that provides expertise for AFD projects worldwide and other international initiatives, commented on the growing partnership during a meeting with journalists on March 19 during a visit to Astana .

"Our activities are consistent with the strategic partnership between France and Kazakhstan, reinforced by recent visits by our leaders—President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Kazakhstan and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to France in November 2024. These high-level meetings outlined key areas of cooperation that are now being implemented," he said.

The AFD agreement between Kazakhstan and France was signed in November 2023, allowing the agency to begin operations in Kazakhstan. AFD aims to leverage its financial and technical expertise in key sectors, including healthcare, social protection, water supply, sanitation, and irrigation, to strengthen state institutions. In January 2025, President Tokayev signed the law ratifying the agreement, further strengthening AFD's operational structure in the country.

Digital transformation initiatives

Pelle emphasized that while the cooperation covers many sectors, including healthcare and agriculture, special attention is paid to digital transformation and transport development.

"Yesterday, I signed an agreement with the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, on a new project focused on digital connectivity. This initiative aims to provide internet access via satellite, which is particularly beneficial for rural areas. Together with the Ministry of Digital Development of Kazakhstan, we will work to expand and strengthen internet access for 2,000 schools in rural areas," he said.

However, this initiative is not limited to schools; it will also expand to larger areas where there is currently no internet coverage.

Since the early 2020s, Expertise France has been active in the region, implementing technical assistance projects and mobilizing international experts. Its presence in Central Asia is currently expanding significantly with the launch of the TEI Digital Connectivity in Central Asia, part of the European Union's Global Gateway strategy. This project aims to improve digital connectivity in the region, strengthening the EU's commitment to supporting infrastructure development in Central Asia.

The EU has allocated €80 million (US$87 million) for this project, with Kazakhstan set to receive a significant share due to its vast geographic size and the urgent need to expand internet coverage, particularly in rural areas. While the exact distribution of funds among Central Asian countries has not yet been finalized, Pelle noted that Kazakhstan is expected to benefit significantly from this investment.

The program includes two key components. The first, known as the "hard component," involves an investment of €60 million (US$65.2 million) to improve satellite communications in remote regions of Central Asia, providing residents with internet access.

The second component, worth €20 million (US$21.7 million), aims to develop digital skills among the population. The program will train young people and rural residents in cybersecurity, protection against online fraud, and the creation of a secure digital environment. The project also includes support for private businesses and the agricultural sector by providing access to modern digital tools.

Pelle emphasized that this initiative draws not only on French experience but also on broader European expertise. "For example, in the area of digital transformation, we are collaborating with highly developed European countries such as Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia," he said.

Last week in Astana, Sikela discussed the expanding EU Global Gateway partnership with Kazakhstan, emphasizing cooperation in critical raw materials, transport, and sustainable development. Key agreements focused on resource development, infrastructure modernization, and renewable energy, reinforcing broader EU efforts to improve digital connectivity, sustainable growth, and economic resilience in Central Asia.

Middle Corridor and Transport Cooperation

Another key area of cooperation is the transport sector. Pellet noted that Expertise France is working with the European Commission and German partners to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which aims to reduce delivery times between China and Europe.

"This project is supported by the EU through its Global Gateway initiative. The EU is also providing funding and guarantees for the modernization of rail infrastructure and maritime transport," he explained.

“Our efforts include digitalising ports and transport systems to optimise logistics, reduce container delivery times and improve overall corridor efficiency,” he added.

Development of healthcare, agriculture and education

In the areas of healthcare and transport, Pelle stated that the agency will provide technical assistance and promote international investment in Kazakhstan. One notable example is the financing of a multifunctional hospital in Kokshetau by Proparco, AFD's private sector financing arm. The agency also supports funding for national and republican hospitals, particularly orthopedic centers.

"We continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Higher Education of Kazakhstan to strengthen local universities and create a French university cluster offering new joint educational programs and qualifications," Pelle said, emphasizing the educational aspect of the collaboration.

As part of its expansion in Kazakhstan, Expertise France will soon send 12 employees to the country.

“I hope that this is not my last visit and that we will continue to work together to mobilize resources, attract investment, and support our joint initiatives,” he concluded.

Expertise France is a French government agency responsible for the development and implementation of international technical cooperation projects. In 2023, its turnover amounted to €388 million (US$422 million) and it managed more than 350 projects in 147 countries. Created in 2014, the agency became part of the AFD Group in 2022 following the adoption of the French law on inclusive development and the fight against global inequality.