ZoneBitcoin EditorialIn May 2025, Kazakhstan took a major step forward in cryptocurrency adoption by announcing two ambitious initiatives: the creation of “CryptoCity,” a pilot zone dedicated to cryptocurrency transactions for all types of goods and services, in the Alatau region.
While the country is already very popular with Bitcoin miners, including the hashrate represents a significant part of the global network (13%), the Kazakhstan strengthens its strategic position by now embracing the public and regulated adoption of cryptocurrencies, beyond the mining sector alone.
🏙️ CryptoCity: A Pilot Zone for the Digital Economy
At the Astana 2025 International Forum, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled the "CryptoCity" project, an experimental zone where cryptocurrencies can be used to purchase goods and services. This initiative aims to explore the integration of digital assets into the real economy, while operating in a controlled regulatory environment.
The city of Alatau, renowned for its technological infrastructure and special economic zones, is expected to host this innovative project. Digital Development Minister Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized that CryptoCity will enable the legal circulation of cryptocurrencies, supported by favorable legislation and official recognition of digital assets as a means of payment.
It will also be an opportunity to find a substitute for the declining volume of the Bitcoin mining farm industry in the country. Miners seem to have been preferring other, more favorable regions in recent years.
💳 A National Payment Card for Cryptocurrency Transactions
Alongside CryptoCity, the National Bank of Kazakhstan has launched an innovative payment card, allowing citizens to make purchases using their digital assets. This card works by instantly converting cryptocurrencies into fiat currency at the time of the transaction, thanks to an integrated infrastructure between banks and licensed crypto service providers within the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC).
This initiative aims to facilitate the daily use of cryptocurrencies by offering a convenient and secure solution for payments, while remaining within the existing regulatory framework.
🔄 Towards a Complete Integration of Digital Assets
The launch of CryptoCity and the national payment card is part of Kazakhstan's broader strategy to develop its digital financial ecosystem. Planned projects include issuing stablecoins backed by the national currency, tokenizing financial and real estate assets, and implementing secure custody systems for digital assets.
With these developments, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a pioneer in Central Asia in the integration of cryptocurrencies into the national economy, offering a potential model for other countries wishing to embrace the digital revolution.
