Creative industries
Creative industries
An economic activity based on individual creativity, skill and talent that has the potential to generate value through the creation of intellectual property.
In 2030, the integrated development of creative industries will increase the contribution to the city’s economy to 5%.
Creative Hub – Markova, 44
Total area – 3,500 m2
Launch quarter 1-2 2024
Creative cluster – DEPOT (former tram depot)
Total area – 31,000 m2
The area of buildings after the project is completed is 21,000 m2.
Launch -quarter 4 2025
INITIAL CAPITALIZATION FOR 2023 – $22 MILLION
This amount was set for 2023 and, according to available data, has not changed by 2025.
THE LIFESPAN OF THE FUND IS 10 YEARS.
(with the possibility of extension +1 +1 year)
INVESTMENT PERIOD – 5 YEARS
(with the possibility of extension +1 year)
Tripartite agreement “Almaty Creative”, QIC, Management company “Almaty Creative” Signing – September 2023
In September 2023, a tripartite agreement was signed between Almaty Creative, QIC and the management company “Almaty Creative” for the implementation of the DEPO creative cluster in Almaty. This agreement became the basis for the creation of a center that will unite creative industries, IT and social initiatives, promoting the development of the city’s creative economy
The project includes the creation of creative hubs, recording studios, IT spaces and other facilities aimed at developing creative potential and entrepreneurship in Almaty. The project also includes the creation of a city crowdfunding platform “Creative City” and a venture fund
AIFC registration October 2023
In October 2023, the project was registered with the AIFC, which provided the legal and financial basis for the implementation of the initiative. The AIFC provides jurisdiction with the principles of English law and is a key platform for attracting investment to the Republic of Kazakhstan
IT industry
In modern conditions, information technologies are the main driver of technological changes, economic modernization and increased competitiveness. They contribute to increased productivity, improved quality of goods and services, and reduced cost price.
In January–March 2025, investments in ICT in Almaty amounted to 18.2 billion tenge, which is 36.6% less than in the same period in 2024. In January–April 2025, this figure reached 29.3 billion tenge, or 87.4% of last year’s level, indicating a decrease in investment activity in the sector.
According to the results of 9 months of 2024, the share of the Information and Communications industry in the gross regional product (GRP) of Almaty amounted to 5.8%, an increase compared to 5.2% in 2023. This is one of the fastest growing sectors of the city’s economy.
The volume of production of computers, electronic and optical equipment in Almaty for January-March 2025 amounted to 11.6 billion tenge, which corresponds to 2.0% of the total volume of industrial production of the city for this period.
In 2024, the volume of foreign direct investment in the Information and Communications sector in Almaty amounted to USD 195.4 million, an increase of 19.2% compared to 2023 ($ 164 million). This highlights the sustainable attractiveness of the sector for foreign companies.
ICT services imports exceed exports by only 18.9% in 2024, reflecting a significant improvement in the industry’s trade balance. In 2023, the difference was 25.7%, and in 2018, it was 227%.
The IT sector receives comprehensive support from the state at both the national and local levels. Measures include the provision of subsidies, reduced interest rates on loans, tax and customs benefits, as well as support through state programs and the AIFC infrastructure.