Kazakhstan, a nation rich in natural resources and cultural diversity, has undergone significant transformations since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Then, USAID began its partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan. Through various programs and initiatives, USAID has empowered changes across multiple sectors, fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for many Kazakhs. Today, Kazakhstan is an upper middle-income country that has emerged as a regional leader in Central Asia. This article is going to discuss four main factors about the impact of USAID in Kazakhstan.

Democracy and Governance

Kazakhstan possesses relatively strong state institutions; however, insufficient transparency and accountability undermine its attempts to promote good governance.  Also, another significant barrier to effective governance is the perceived lack of judicial independence, which affects the country’s ability to attract foreign investment and maintain the rule of law.

USAID in Kazakhstan supports the creation of a “civil society, access to information, strengthening citizen initiative groups and promoting human rights.” The agency also facilitates partnerships between civil society organizations and the Government of Kazakhstan to implement reforms that drive meaningful change in creating a better living environment. For example, the USAID is assisting the Ministry of Information and Social Development in “developing transparent and fair procedures for awarding and monitoring grants to local non-governmental organisations.”

USAID is working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the adoption of an agreement between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the protection of rights of the migrant

Economic Growth and Trade

Since gaining independence in 1991, the economy of Kazakhstan has experienced significant growth, mainly due to the utilization of its vast oil and gas reserves. Thanks to robust economic growth, the national poverty rate plummeted from nearly 50% at the start of the century to just 2.7% in 2015. To combat inequality, Kazakhstan is committed to boosting the income share of the bottom 40% of its population from 22.8% to 27% of total income by 2025.

Nonetheless, the country faces various economic challenges stemming from its Soviet past, such as “weak trade links with other Central Asian nations and a cumbersome regulatory framework” that hampers business development. Also, there are notable inequalities between urban and rural areas, as well as among different regions.

The work of USAID in Kazakhstan aims to diversify its economy beyond the oil and gas sector, focusing on areas like transportation and logistics, horticulture, information technology, and tourism. Additionally, USAID works to identify and eliminate barriers to trade with Kazakhstan’s Central Asian neighbors, helping the country unlock its potential as a regional trade and investment hub.

Energy and Environment

USAID has been instrumental in helping Kazakhstan modernize its energy sector while prioritizing environmental protection. This includes enhancing energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and attracting private investment.

Kazakhstan, a significant energy player, is transitioning to clean energy technologies. Despite its reliance on coal, which generates more than 80% of its electricity and accounts for 82% of its greenhouse gas emissions, the government recognizes the need for reform. Kazakhstan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% from 1990 levels by 2030, and at least 50% by 2050

USAID focuses on helping Kazakhstan and Central Asia diversify their energy sources with wind, solar, and hydropower. With USAID assistance, the Government of Kazakhstan added more than 1 Gigawatt of renewable energy projects through competitive auctions. The auctions made it possible to create competitive conditions, attract international investors, and significantly reduce renewable energy prices. This allows citizens to enjoy using clean energy with a lower cost.

Health Care

USAID programs in Kazakhstan aim to enhance access to essential services to prevent and control infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. Kazakhstan faces a significant challenge with drug-resistant tuberculosis, while HIV/AIDS continues to impact vulnerable groups, especially those who inject drugs. However, the corporation between USAID and the Kazakhstan government to test and adopt client-centred HIV strategies such as HIV self-testing and adopt policies to support people living with HIV such as multi-month dispensation of antiretroviral therapy.

Besides, the USAID participated in supporting Kazakhstan in combating the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of training, technical assistance to medical providers and the promotion of hygienic practices for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission.

The impact of USAID in Kazakhstan is profound and multifaceted. Through its commitment to empowering change, the agency has contributed to economic growth, improved education and health outcomes, promoted environmental sustainability, and strengthened democratic governance. As Kazakhstan continues to evolve on the global stage, the partnership with USAID remains a beacon of hope and progress, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with continued support and empowerment, Kazakhstan is poised to build a brighter future for all its citizens.

– Hoi Ieng Chao

Hoi is based in Macau and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr