Investing in Kazakhstan in 2026
Europe & Central Asia
54
Score
Moderate Investment Destination
Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios
Kazakhstan earns an investment score of 54/100, placing it in the moderate category for global investors. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (62/100) and financial strength (58/100), with overall GDP of $261.4B and per-capita output of $13,250. Growth is running at 4.5% with 3.8% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 8.5%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Mining (sector score 62/100, currently growing), which represents 8.8% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 62% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Kazakhstan is with the global economy.
How Kazakhstan's investment score has evolved over time
Mining
8.8% of GDP, growing
Oil & Gas
18.5% of GDP, stable
Manufacturing
11.2% of GDP, growing
Agriculture
4.5% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Kazakhstan a safe country to invest in?
Kazakhstan carries a moderate risk rating with an overall investment score of 54/100. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. Sub-scores: economic health 55/100, political stability 38/100, business climate 55/100, financial strength 58/100, growth potential 62/100.
What is Kazakhstan's sovereign credit rating?
Kazakhstan holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Kazakhstan?
The top investment sectors in Kazakhstan are Mining, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing. Mining leads with a sector score of 62/100 and represents 8.8% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Kazakhstan's GDP growth rate?
Kazakhstan's most recent GDP growth was 4.5%, with total GDP of $261.4B and GDP per capita of $13,250. Inflation is running at 8.5% and the current account balance is -3.2% of GDP.
How does Kazakhstan score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Kazakhstan scores: political stability -0.3, rule of law -0.5, corruption control -0.7, and regulatory quality -0.1.
Can foreigners invest in Kazakhstan?
Most industries in Kazakhstan are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Kazakhstan?
Foreign Direct Investment in Kazakhstan runs at 3.8% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 62%. These figures show how integrated Kazakhstan is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan's government debt stands at 25% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.