Nvidia's Huang touts Kazakhstan as potential AI computing hub for Europe
Jensen Huang visited Astana and said Kazakhstan could become a major AI computing hub for Europe, pointing to abundant energy, data connectivity, and growing computational capacity. State operator Kazakhtelecom has already deployed Nvidia GPUs and plans more, while the Data Center Valley project aims to reach up to 1 GW and attract $10 billion in investment. Kazakhstan has U.S. approval to import 45,000 GB300 Blackwell Ultra GPUs and is seeking approval for about 65,000 more.
Huang’s Astana stop on Oct. 23, 2026, was his first in Kazakhstan. He spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev at the alem.ai center, closing the country’s AI Month program, which began Sept. 23 and included hackathons and infrastructure news.
Kazakhtelecom already runs 400 H200 and 480 B300 GPUs, with over 1,000 more planned next year and 1,000 Vera Rubin units slated for Ekibastuz. Data Center Valley is designed to begin at 125 MW and scale toward 1 GW, drawing an expected $10 billion from partners such as Firebird. Kazakhstan can import 45,000 GB300 Blackwell Ultra chips under U.S. approval and wants about 65,000 more.
The initiative could affect regional data workers, energy systems, and European AI users by adding compute capacity and demand for power and connectivity. Local businesses and public services may gain access to faster AI tools, while grid operators and communities could face new infrastructure pressures. Export approvals and project financing may determine whether benefits spread beyond large operators, and the outcome could shape Kazakhstan’s role in cross-border digital trade.