Solana and Kazakhstan Launch Central Asia’s First Web3 Economic Zone
Kazakhstan’s launch of a Solana-backed Web3 economic zone marks a vibrant action towards digital sovereignty in Central Asia, blending blockchain infrastructure with national advancement goals.
Kazakhstan has actually introduced the Solana Economic Zone Kazakhstan (SEZ KZ), marking the first Web3-focused economic zone in Central Asia. Built on the Solana blockchain and backed by the Solana Structure, the initiative reflects Kazakhstan’s growing concentrate on blockchain technology and its function in forming the nation’s digital economy.
The announcement was made during an official event in Astana, just ahead of the 2025 Astana International Online Forum. The event brought together federal government officials, blockchain designers, and investors from around the world.
The Solana Structure has signed an MOU with Kazakhstan’s MDAI following the launch of the first Solana Economic Zone in Central Asia. This partnership will advance tokenized capital markets, crypto developer education, and resources for Solana start-ups based in the area. pic.twitter.com/TgR0SDN66H
SEZ KZ to Pilot Tokenized Assets, Train Rust Developers Throughout Kazakhstan
According to the press release, the SEZ KZ is designed as a sandbox for emerging Web3 projects. It will serve as a platform for piloting blockchain applications and scaling Kazakhstani tech ventures internationally. Officials state the design draws inspiration from other digital zones like Dubai’s DMCC Crypto Centre however is being formed to fulfill regional needs.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Development, and Aerospace Market, Zhaslan Madiyev, highlighted the wider vision behind the initiative. “We are dedicated to developing a competitive and resistant digital environment. Jobs like the Solana Economic Zone allow us to check and execute next-generation options– from asset tokenization to cultivating Web3 talent,” he mentioned during the summit.
The event likewise featured use cases from worldwide startups working throughout markets such as energy, agritech, gaming, and financing. Participants also explored chances to tokenize traditional possessions, consisting of real estate, gold, and securities.
As part of the launch, a tactical memorandum was signed in between key stakeholders. Among the significant efforts consists of a tokenized capital markets pilot, talent advancement, and start-up support.
A pilot program involving the Astana International Exchange (AIX), the Solana Structure, Jupiter, and Intebix will explore how tokenized financial instruments might be incorporated into Kazakhstan’s capital markets infrastructure.
On the education front, the Ministry and Solana Structure announced an across the country program focused on Rust programs and blockchain engineering. The program will partner with local universities and Astana Hub to train developers in next-gen Web3 skills.
To bring in worldwide blockchain business, the ministry will deal with Forma to present assistance plans for foreign startups. These include access to facilities, legal assistance, and rewards created to make Kazakhstan more appealing for digital property firms.
Kazakhstan’s launch of SEZ KZ signals a strong dedication to positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation throughout Central Asia. They see Web3 and blockchain as part of a broader push toward digital sovereignty. The government continues to invest in structures for emerging technologies, consisting of blockchain and artificial intelligence, as part of its long-lasting objective of digital sovereignty and financial modernization.
Kazakhstan Doubles Down on Crypto Development with “CryptoCity” Pilot Zone Previously, Kazakhstan revealed that it was doubling down on its crypto aspirations by preparing to launch “CryptoCity,” a pilot zone where cryptocurrencies can be used for everyday payments. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled the effort during the Astana International Online forum 2025, calling it a managed sandbox for screening real-world crypto adoption. “We are planning to produce a pioneering pilot zone called CryptoCity where cryptocurrencies may be utilized for purchasing goods, services, and even beyond,” he said.
While full information stay under covers, CryptoCity signals Kazakhstan’s growing commitment to crypto as a national technique. The government is actively creating an environment to draw in blockchain ventures and experiment with new use cases beyond simply mining.
The country’s crypto infrastructure has seen fast development. Since 2023, 415,000 mining rigs have actually been signed up, 84 licenses released, and 5 mining pools recognized. Trading volumes at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), Kazakhstan’s regulated digital property center, increased from $324 million in 2023 to $1.4 billion in 2024. Kazakhstan eyes crypto dominance in Central Asia with new mining guidelines and AIFC oversight. #kazakhstan #cryptomining #asia
Authorities are likewise preparing to extend crypto regulations beyond AIFC. According to Vice Minister Kanysh Tuleushin, the federal government is working with the National Bank to form a broader legal structure. Kazakhstan is checking out the launch of crypto banks as part of its wider push to build a regulated and sustainable digital asset community. #Kazakhstan #Bitcoin
The country is establishing a reserve bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital tenge, with a launch expected this year. Meanwhile, local interest is rising, with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also stepping up blockchain adoption, including Binance’s new partnerships in the region.
