In the vast steppes of Central Asia, a quiet revolution is underway. Women entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan are not just participating in the economy—they’re leading it. Particularly in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, female leaders are surging ahead, reshaping the nation’s business landscape.
Recent data reveals a striking trend: women now head over 45% of all MSMEs in Kazakhstan, up from a modest 28% just five years ago. This dominance stems from government initiatives like the ‘Women in Business’ program, which provides low-interest loans, training workshops, and mentorship networks tailored for female founders.
Take Aigerim, a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Almaty. She transformed her small bakery into a chain of 12 outlets, employing 150 people, mostly women. ‘The support gave me wings,’ she says. Stories like hers are commonplace across urban centers and rural regions alike.
Economists point to several factors fueling this rise. Kazakhstan’s push for digitalization has leveled the playing field, allowing women to launch e-commerce ventures from home. Coupled with a cultural shift towards gender equality, bolstered by President Tokayev’s reforms, the environment is ripe for success.
Challenges persist, however. Access to larger markets and scaling operations remain hurdles. Yet, with exports of women-led MSMEs growing 30% year-on-year, the trajectory is upward. International bodies like the World Bank have praised Kazakhstan’s model, suggesting it as a blueprint for emerging economies.
As Kazakhstan eyes its Vision 2050 goals, women entrepreneurs stand at the forefront. Their leadership isn’t just economic—it’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of inclusive policies driving national progress.