E-commerce in Kazakhstan has shown a significant surge, quadrupling since the year 2020.
Kazakhstan's e-commerce sector is on an upward trajectory, with online sales now accounting for approximately 14.5–15.3% of total retail turnover, up from much lower levels four years ago [1][2]. The government has set its sights on increasing this share to 20% in the near future.
In 2024, the retail e-commerce market reached approximately $6 billion (3.4 trillion tenge), growing around 42% year-on-year, with online purchases increasing 87% year-over-year to 162 million transactions [1][2]. Marketplaces dominate this growth, accounting for over 90% of e-commerce sales, with major players like Kaspi.kz expanding into full ecosystems that include logistics and delivery services [1][2][4].
The booming e-commerce and expanding logistics sectors imply significant employment opportunities. While explicit numbers are not provided, the growth suggests the creation of over 300,000 jobs in areas such as logistics, delivery, marketing, and tech-enabled retail services [1][2]. Kaspi.kz’s investment in its logistics and delivery infrastructure and increased marketplace activities also suggest ongoing workforce expansion [4].
To protect consumers and maintain fiscal discipline amid growing cross-border trade, Kazakhstan is actively tightening oversight of foreign e-commerce marketplaces [1]. The government’s regulatory approach targets better integration of foreign platforms under existing laws to ensure consumer protection and manage the increasing volume of international parcels, which now constitute about half of postal deliveries [1].
Kazakhstan sees the postal and logistics sectors as key to integrating markets across Central Asia. QazPost’s joint venture aims to service not only Kazakhstan but the broader region, indicating a strategy to leverage e-commerce growth for wider regional connectivity and economic integration [1].
To further boost e-commerce development, the government of Kazakhstan has adopted an online commerce development plan, focusing on legislative improvements, regional training courses, and financial support for e-commerce entrepreneurs [1]. Shakkaliyev proposed an electronic platform for registering foreign marketplaces to address citizen complaints about product safety, counterfeiting, and consumer protection [1].
Infrastructure development is also a priority. Modern warehouse complexes are being planned in Almaty, Aktobe, and the Almaty and Turkistan Regions, covering over 85,000 square meters. The investment volume for these planned warehouse complexes is approximately $100 million. This infrastructure will support the growth of both domestic and cross-border trade [1].
Qazpost Keruen simplifies customs clearance for global e-commerce products, further facilitating the sector's growth [1]. Kazakhstan's e-commerce volume is currently below the global average, but with its high potential for online sales growth due to the large number of young people, the development of fintech, internet access, and increasing cashless payments, the country is poised for continued e-commerce growth [1][2].
By 2029, Kazakhstan aims to nearly triple its e-commerce volume to 9.3 trillion tenge ($17.6 billion) [1]. The number of parcels per person in Kazakhstan is expected to reach 27 annually, up from the current five [1]. KazPost CEO Assel Zhanassova emphasized the potential of the e-commerce sector to enhance regional entrepreneurship and Kazakhstan's role as a Central Asian logistics hub [1].
In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding e-commerce is evident through market growth, infrastructure investment, regulatory improvements, and regional logistics development [1][2][4]. The country's e-commerce sector is poised for continued growth, with the government and private sector working together to create a thriving digital economy.
Key points:
- E-commerce growth: Market size ~$6B in 2024; 14.5–15.3% of retail; target 20% share
- Marketplaces: 90%+ of online sales; Kaspi.kz leads and invests heavily in logistics and delivery
- Job creation: Implied growth in logistics, delivery, marketing sectors; Kaspi.kz and QazPost expansions indicate more jobs
- Legislative improvements: Stricter regulation of foreign marketplaces to ensure consumer protection & fiscal control
- Regional development: QazPost and YTO Express joint venture to improve Central Asian logistics and parcel delivery
- Infrastructure development: Modern warehouse complexes being planned in key regions
- Customs clearance simplification: Qazpost Keruen facilitates global e-commerce products
- Government support: Online commerce development plan, focusing on legislative improvements, regional training courses, and financial support for e-commerce entrepreneurs
- Future goals: Kazakhstan aims to triple e-commerce volume by 2029 and reach 27 parcels per person annually.
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