Kazakhstan’s rural entrepreneurs empowered through Korea’s digital transformation lessons

October 6, 2025

As part of its SDG Partnership on supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through inclusive digital transformation, UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), joined by the Korea Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS), supported a two-day learning exchange workshop held from 1 to 2 October 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The workshop brought together 15 entrepreneurs and local government representatives from the Kyzylorda region.

The workshop marked the culmination of the “Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for Economic Growth in the Kyzylorda Region” initiative (dubbed “Digital Kyzylorda”) implemented by UNDP Kazakhstan and funded by the Republic of Korea through USPC.

The programme aimed to strengthen the digital capacities of women- and youth-led MSMEs in rural Kazakhstan by sharing Korea’s experience in inclusive digital transformation and SME support. It forms part of a broader effort under the SDG Partnership to help partner countries adapt Korea’s development practices to local contexts and foster more inclusive economic growth.

Over the two days, participants immersed themselves in sessions on digital transformation, startup support, and the evolving role of AI. Hosted at Maqsut Narikbayev University, the programme blended expert lectures, business pitching, and networking with leading Astana-based SMEs, while also linking participants to the larger discussion on human development and technology at the Digital Bridge 2025 International Tech Forum.

The workshop opened with remarks from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kazakhstan, the Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS) under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea, USPC, UNDP in Kazakhstan, and Maqsut Narikbayev University.

“The Korean government has long considered human resource development and fostering of SMEs as crucial drivers of its national economic development. As we witness every day, we are now living in an era of digital transformation, where artificial intelligence and big data technology are fundamentally changing our society, including the business landscape of SMEs. In this connection, I view that this “Digital Kyzylorda” initiative is a timely and wonderful project to proactively meet the unmet digital needs of SMEs in the Kyzylorda region,”

said Cho Tae-ick, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, reflected on the Digital Kyzylorda initiative, describing it as a part of a long-term ecosystem effort: “Digital Kyzylorda represents more than just technology. It's a gateway for entrepreneurs to harness their potential and influence the future of their communities. At UNDP, we’re firm believers that sustainable development starts at the local level, and we take pride in leading Kyzylorda's growth.”

Won-Sang Cha, Head of the Digital Strategy Unit at the SEMAS, delivered a lecture on Korea’s policy design approaches to empowering SMEs. His keynote on digital transformation and AI for SMEs shared lessons from Korea’s ecosystem, including subsidized cloud services and training programmes, as well as AI-driven platforms that help small businesses access markets. He told participants,

“Digital adoption is a universal necessity. Advances in machine learning, generative AI, and voice recognition present opportunities for small businesses and startups to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Government and private sector support policies, coupled with a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem and workforce training, are essential to making this a reality.”

Won-Sang Cha, Head of the Digital Strategy Unit at SEMAS

He also delivered lectures at Maqsut Narikbayev University and Astana International University and the UN House, and presented and exchanged ideas with members of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Demographic policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Korea’s digital governance. He also held a meeting with the Director of Atameken, the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, to explore opportunities for collaboration between Korea and Kazakhstan in supporting MSMEs.

Later, he spoke on the Korean experience at Digital Bridge 2025, the Largest International Technology Forum in Central Eurasia, joining ministers, parliamentarians, and UNDP leadership in a high-level dialogue on the role of digital innovation in sustainable development.

Over the course of two days, participants explored a range of support tools including non-financial business support measures, access to finance through grants and guarantees, innovation programmes for startups, and social entrepreneurship models that turn community projects into sustainable businesses.

For the participants, discussions on micro-loans, subsidies, and cooperation mechanisms offered a practical roadmap for sustaining initiatives outside major cities.

Ayakoz Mukhanova, grocery store owner, shared her impression: “The seminar turned out to be truly productive: we explored the latest information technologies and gained valuable experience.”

“The seminar left me with the warmest impressions. Meeting representatives from Korea was especially meaningful—they generously shared their experience, and despite the language barrier, it was surprisingly easy and enjoyable to communicate with them,”

said Bauyrzhan Yermaganbetov, greenhouse owner.

The Astana Learning Exchange is the final phase of the Digital Kyzylorda initiative. It began as a workshop series designed to enhance digital literacy and empower MSMEs in the Kyzylorda region.

From 15 to 22 April 2025, 162 entrepreneurs from seven districts, including Aral, Karmakshy, Kazaly, Shieli, Syrdarya, Zhalagash, and Zhanakorgan, have participated in workshops covering digital marketing, e-commerce, automation, and AI tools. Nearly half of the participants were women, reflecting an effort to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

After the inception events, more than 30 standout entrepreneurs were invited to become trainers themselves through a skills lab, where they learned facilitation skills, inclusive pedagogy, and how to localize content for their communities. These trainers now act as multipliers, extending the project’s impact into more extensive local networks.

Long-term, the project aims to ensure that digital tools are not privileges reserved for urban areas but are also available to rural firms and community leaders. This means combining technical training, institutional support, and local ownership so that when external facilitators leave, the capacity remains.

“This initiative is not only about building digital skills, but also about building bridges. Bridges between Kazakhstan and Korea, between institutions and entrepreneurs, and between local needs and global experiences. Let us nurture these connections so that our cooperation grows stronger and contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable future,”

said Hye-Jin Park, Head of Private Sector Engagement and Development at USPC.