Kazakhstan’s MSME sector is witnessing an unprecedented surge led by women. From the bustling streets of Astana to remote villages, female business owners are claiming the helm, propelling small enterprises into engines of growth.
Statistics paint a compelling picture: Female-led MSMEs account for 48% of the total, contributing significantly to GDP. This leap is no accident. Strategic policies, including subsidized credit lines and skill-development centers, have empowered thousands of women to start and scale their ventures.
Consider the story of Saltanat, who runs a tech startup in Shymkent specializing in agritech solutions. Starting with a modest grant, her company now serves 500 farmers, boosting crop yields by 25%. Such innovations highlight how women are blending tradition with modernity.
The government’s Damu Fund has been pivotal, disbursing over $500 million in targeted funding last year alone. Add to that vocational programs focusing on digital marketing and financial literacy, and you’ve got a recipe for empowerment.
Yet, it’s not without obstacles. Supply chain disruptions and gender biases in venture capital linger. Still, women are breaking barriers—export revenues from their firms hit record highs, signaling global competitiveness.
Experts forecast that by 2030, women could lead 60% of MSMEs, further diversifying Kazakhstan’s oil-dependent economy. This female-led boom underscores a broader narrative: When women thrive in business, entire nations prosper.