Eurasia / Tech
Is Kazakhstan building a digital utopia, or a China-style surveillance state?
Many Kazakhs will tell you that officials should limit their ambitions to fixing the internet speed. Others worry that the time for joking is over.
Uzbekistan’s unicorn ecommerce startup Uzum adds London to list of potential IPO locations
Co-founder says he's against a fast geographical expansion. Wants to win and dominate home market to demonstrate to partners fintech is capable of outperforming on other markets.
Entrepreneur set for Blue Origin lift-off to become first Kazakh woman in space
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, initiates first all-women crew isolation experiment simulating space flight.
Kazakhstan appoints AI board member to sovereign wealth fund, awards voting rights
Country aims to be fully digital state by 2028. Ministry of Artificial Intelligence was opened in August.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan deemed twin hotbeds of innovation – global survey
The two states drive Central and South Asia’s rise in a global ranking.
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Photoshopping of three Central Asian presidents exposed by media investigation
Seemingly perfect postures, pearly white smiles, smooth skin and luxurious grey hair among flawless features subject to spot-the-difference analysis.
Internet shutdown pushes Afghanistan’s banking to the brink
Reports from northern Afghanistan indicated severe difficulties in processing financial transactions after WiFi services were suspended in a number of provinces, including Balkh. In Mazar-i-Sharif, banking operations were reportedly brought to a halt
Migrants in Moscow spooked by government order to download geolocation app by Sept 1
“Amina” surveillance will inform interior ministry of guest workers’ exact whereabouts.
London-listed TBC Bank expands digital ecosystem with OLX Uzbekistan acquisition
OLX Uzbekistan is the sixth-most visited website in Uzbekistan with with 5.4mn monthly active users and 2.2mn active listings.
The Caucasus and Central Asia are well wired – survey
Kazakhstan is the leader in “meaningful connectivity.”
Kazakhstan to shift all state comms with personal data to domestic app Aitu
President says exchanging information such as personal IDs and health details on international messaging services could breach data protection law.
Central Asia becomes launchpad for Freedom’s digital banking expansion
Group is bringing Kazakhstan's sophisticated banking technology to the wider region starting with Tajikistan and Georgia.
Uzbek digital doyen Uzum secures $70mn equity financing led by Ten Cent and VR Capital, hits $1.5bn valuation
Company to accelerate development of proprietary fintech, broaden product suite.
Uzbekistan’s first women-focused tech accelerator debuts with Pitch & Rise event
Startup training, mentorship and networking to help turn early-stage ideas into viable, investor-ready ventures.
Driverless cargo trucks introduced on Kazakhstan-China border
“Smart Customs” project includes electronic goods declaration system, continuous unmanned freight movement and automated navigation.