Kazakhstan’s Energy Shift And The Future Of Our Cooperation With Africa

By: Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan

Earlier this year, world leaders gathered in London to confront the persistent risks to global energy supplies, the urgency of true energy security has never been clearer.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, has sounded the alarm: the critical lessons from the last two years’ energy crisis remain unheeded. The world is still dangerously exposed to supply shocks, price volatility, and geopolitical upheaval.

The energy sector, however, is now entering a period of extraordinary transformation—one defined not just by challenge, but by unprecedented opportunity. New technologies, ranging from hybrid renewable systems and floating solar to advanced nuclear and green hydrogen, are opening up markets, driving down costs, and creating new avenues for sustainable development and economic expansion.

The integration of renewables and resilient infrastructure are helping meet environmental goals, while also fueling job creation, investment, and cross-border collaboration. These innovations are empowering countries to leapfrog traditional development stages, enabling faster access to clean, affordable energy while stimulating economic diversification and social progress. The ripple effects extend well beyond energy, catalyzing growth in manufacturing, services, and technology sectors worldwide.

At the heart of this transformation lies the principle of diversification—of energy resources, supply partners, and markets. Diversification is not just a shield against risk; it is a catalyst for growth, innovation, and resilience. Countries that embrace a broad energy portfolio are better positioned to harness emerging technologies, attract investment, and respond to the evolving needs of the global economy. By balancing traditional energy sources with renewables and emerging low-carbon technologies, nations can build flexible systems that adapt to changing demand patterns and geopolitical dynamics.

This approach also encourages healthy competition and innovation, driving down costs and expanding access to energy for all segments of society. Diversification thus becomes a strategic asset that supports long-term economic stability and environmental stewardship simultaneously.

Kazakhstan stands as a model of this approach. Traditionally known for its vast hydrocarbon reserves, Kazakhstan has leveraged its strengths as a reliable producer of oil and natural gas to meet immediate global demand. But it is Kazakhstan’s forward-looking strategy—anchored in diversification and innovation—that is setting it apart as a leader in the new energy economy. By combining its rich natural resource base with ambitious clean energy targets and cutting-edge technology adoption, Kazakhstan is demonstrating how resource-rich countries can successfully navigate the global energy transition. This dual role as a dependable supplier of hydrocarbons and a pioneer in low-carbon energy solutions positions Kazakhstan uniquely in the international energy landscape, offering partners both stability and innovation.

Kazakhstan is actively creating the collaborative platforms needed to make this a reality, such as the Astana International Forum. The 2025 edition of the Forum, held on May 29–30, brought together leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to address key issues in energy, climate, and economic development, providing a space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint problem-solving.

Kazakhstan’s comprehensive energy sector plan for 2024-2035 aims to add 26 gigawatts of new capacity, with major investments in renewables, nuclear, and grid modernization. The country is rapidly expanding its renewable energy sector, with projects such as 1 GW wind farms in partnership with global leaders and a robust pipeline of solar and hydro developments.

In 2024 alone, the output from renewable energy sources in the total generation amounted to more than 6%, reflecting Kazakhstan’s commitment to a cleaner, more diversified energy mix. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s policy framework, which combines clear targets with incentives for private sector participation and international cooperation.

Kazakhstan is also moving decisively into low-carbon solutions, positioning itself as a future hub for green hydrogen and nuclear energy. In 2024, we adopted the Concept for the Development of Hydrogen Energy until 2030, which aims to diversify energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.

The concept includes stimulating demand for hydrogen technologies in industry and transportation. Meanwhile, plans for the country’s first nuclear power plant are advancing, supported by strong public backing and international partnerships.

As the world’s leading producer of uranium, Kazakhstan is uniquely placed to deliver both the raw materials and the expertise needed for the nuclear energy solutions that will define the coming decades. By investing in these areas, Kazakhstan is not only contributing to global decarbonization efforts but also creating new industries and high-skilled jobs domestically.

Kazakhstan’s strategic advantage is amplified by its commitment to international cooperation and market connectivity. The government’s investments and new projects have enabled the country to become an active player in the modern energy economy—one that seeks dynamic partnerships with fast-growing regions such as Africa.

Africa’s energy needs are immense, and its economic potential even greater, making it a natural partner for Kazakhstan’s energy ambitions. Through knowledge sharing, joint ventures, and coordinated infrastructure development, Kazakhstan is helping to bridge gaps in energy access and reliability that have historically constrained growth in many African countries. This collaboration is mutually beneficial: Kazakhstan gains access to emerging markets and investment opportunities, while African nations benefit from Kazakhstan’s expertise in resource management, renewable integration, and financing mechanisms tailored to local contexts.

Looking ahead, the opportunities for growth and collaboration are boundless. The global shift towards cleaner, more diversified energy systems is creating new markets, new industries, and new possibilities for shared prosperity. Kazakhstan is poised to play a central role in this transformation, not only as a reliable supplier of traditional energy resources but as a pioneer in the development and export of low-carbon solutions. After all, the future of energy will be shaped by those who seize the moment—who innovate boldly, diversify wisely, and cooperate openly.

Source: Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan