DFC Looks to Strengthen Telecommunication Infrastructure in Kazakhstan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) today announced its interest in partnering with Power International Holding, the owner of Tele2, one of Kazakhstan's largest telecommunications (telecom) companies, to upgrade and transition major telecom infrastructure in the country, opening the market to trusted vendors. This announcement would not have been possible without President Trump's steadfast commitment to strengthening America's strategic interests across Central Asia.

The signing of the letter of interest (LOI) and financing proposal took place in Astana, Kazakhstan. DFC CEO Ben Black and Power International Holding President and Group CEO Ramez Al-Khayyat signed the letter in the presence of Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Group Chairman; Mikhail Gerchuk, Group CEO Telecom, Media and Technology; Conor Coleman, DFC Chief of Staff and Head of Investments; and Cole Berman, DFC Deputy Chief of Staff.

"Today's news is another demonstration of President Trump's commitment to advancing America's strategic interests." said DFC CEO Ben Black. "DFC's proposed investment serves as the foundation of the opportunities we see in Kazakhstan, and we look forward to growing our commitment to the country. This deal will be truly transformative, a game-changer for regional connectivity, and a major step toward building economic momentum in Kazakhstan."

The letter outlines a proposed partnership to support Tele2's transition to aligned telecom equipment that will help support the growing demand for digital connectivity in Kazakhstan. These upgrades would strengthen critical infrastructure needed for 5G connectivity, mobile data services, e-commerce and digital payments, and other digital services.

The investment would aim to build more secure, trusted networks to enable reliable, safe access via trusted vendors to drive economic growth and open new markets to U.S. and U.S. allied telecom enterprises. DFC's creative financing would unlock the opportunity for Kazakhstan to transition to new telecom equipment, which would support access to new scaleable, efficient, resilient, and secure infrastructure vital for robust, high-speed networks and a modern digital economy.

DFC aims to expand financing to global partners committed to strengthening the resilience of Internet Communication Technology (ICT) and telecom network supply chains, giving governments and network operators the decision-making freedom to select trusted vendors, and supporting national sovereignty. This includes diversifying overly concentrated 4G and 5G equipment supply chains and delivering financing to supply leading global telecom equipment from trusted vendors.

The Trans Caspian region is one of the world's most strategically significant economic corridors, and DFC sees substantial opportunity in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia to advance growth and shared economic prosperity. With rising global demand for critical minerals, increasing regional need for secure and reliable energy, and expanding trade along the Trans Caspian Corridor, DFC is well positioned to help build economic momentum in Kazakhstan and mobilize private sector investment in shared priorities across infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, and more.

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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is the international investment arm of the United States Government and central to U.S. economic statecraft. DFC mobilizes private capital to advance U.S. foreign policy and economic development. Our investments deliver strong returns for American taxpayers, drive meaningful economic development for our allies and partners, and secure supply chains to counter and outcompete our adversaries.