Kazakhstan has demonstrated significant progress by securing 38th place in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking, thus entering the list of the forty most competitive economies globally. This study was conducted by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
Details of Competitiveness Assessment
The IMD ranking assesses the ability of various countries to create favorable conditions for the stable development of both the economy and the business environment. Within this ranking, Kazakhstan showed high results in several areas: the country ranked ninth in tax policy and 19th in the international trade category. Furthermore, Kazakhstan was among the leaders in the labor market, management practices, and business values, taking 20th place.
More specifically, the country was placed 26th in employment level, 29th in institutional environment, and 32nd in productivity and efficiency indicators. In terms of its domestic economy, Kazakhstan ranked 33rd. Among countries with a population exceeding 20 million people, Kazakhstan ranks 15th, and in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, it is ranked 25th.
Macroeconomic Indicators and Prospects
The study also presented key macroeconomic data for the republic. In 2025, Kazakhstan's gross domestic product reached 306.2 billion US dollars, with real GDP growth at 6.5 percent, allowing the country to rank sixth in economic growth rates. GDP per capita, calculated using purchasing power parity, is estimated at $45,286. The country's workforce stands at 9.77 million people, and the unemployment rate is maintained at 4.6 percent.
Experts analyzing the situation have identified several priority tasks for Kazakhstan. These include the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in both public administration and water resource management. Attracting investment in high-tech production, developing transit potential, and conducting reforms in vocational education are also considered critically important.
It should be noted that the IMD ranking has existed for 38 years, and approximately 6,900 senior executives participated in the 2026 survey.