Kazakhstan is located in the heart of Eurasia and is one of the largest countries in the world. But it is also one of the least densely populated. It has a central position between Europe, Russia and China and is the most economically important country in Central Asia.

It is a major oil and gas exporter and experienced tremendous growth in the 2000s, which led to a reduction in poverty and social inequalities. Kazakhstan has an ambitious objective: be one of the world's 30 leading economic powers by 2050. 

To achieve a sustainable development model, it must now diversify its economy, which is highly dependent on oil prices, modernize its infrastructure and develop the social sector.

AFD was authorized to operate in the country in 2011 and has been present in the region since 2015 and the opening of the office for Central Asia in Tashkent, the capital of neighboring Uzbekistan. Its action is part of a mandate for “green and inclusive growth”.  

AFD can allocate loans to the Government and public institutions in three priority sectors: rural development, urban development and the energy transition.