Following the cancellation of USAID funding, the Kazakhstani government and parliament are scrutinizing the recipients of U.S. financial assistance. The issue has sparked significant public debate and online discussions.
Deputies Demand Explanations
On March 10, the U.S. administration announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “After a six-week review, we are officially canceling 83% of USAID programs. The 5,200 contracts now canceled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve (and in some cases even harmed) the core national interests of the United States.”
Earlier, on March 5, deputies from the People’s Party of Kazakhstan (PPK) formally requested that the Minister of National Economy and the Minister of Justice conduct an audit of foreign funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Lawmakers called for transparency regarding project financing, allocated amounts, and fund usage. According to the deputies, some USAID-funded programs contradicted traditional Kazakhstani values, particularly those related to LGBT rights and feminist movements. Reports indicate that members of the parliamentary majority faction, Amanat, also supported the request.
Government Investigation Underway
The government’s position remained unclear until March 12, when Respublika newspaper reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Jumangarin had responded to the Mazhilis on behalf of the Cabinet of Ministers. Respublika is associated with Mukhtar Ablyazov, a fugitive oligarch sentenced in absentia to a lengthy prison term in Kazakhstan.
According to the report, 28 long-term USAID programs were active in Kazakhstan under bilateral agreements in 2024. In total, USAID allocated $26.5 million for projects implemented in the country between 2023 and 2024. These initiatives covered sectors such as the economy, energy, healthcare, civil society, and media. Some projects extended beyond Kazakhstan, impacting other Central Asian nations.
Among the NGOs operating under USAID programs in 2024-2025 were:
- Public Foundation “Desenta”
- NGO “Kadyr-Kasiyet”
- Representative Office of Eurasia Foundation in Kazakhstan
- Representative Office of Winrock International
- Representative Office of Internews Network
- Representative Office of the American Bar Association
Additionally, several government agencies collaborated with USAID.
Jumangarin noted that, under Kazakhstani law, recipients of foreign funding must publish annual reports on how the funds are used. He assured deputies that the verification of USAID-funded projects would continue under a working group established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Murat Nurtleu.
Funding Details Emerge
Further details surfaced on March 14, with reports indicating that USAID had canceled contracts in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Two contracts in Kazakhstan were reportedly worth $2.35 million and $3.35 million. These funds were designated for the projects “Strengthening Civic Participation in Kazakhstan” and “Strengthening Human Rights and Equality.” The latter aimed to support LGBT organizations in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in advocating for human rights. This information was cited from an official USAID document.
Additional media reports revealed a list of USAID grantees in 2024, including:
- ArtKoshe PF
- The YouTube channel “Hyperborey”
- Oksana Gabitova (Akulova)
- Vlast Media Group LLP
- DEPPA podcast
- Täuelhsız project
- Tasadagy Omir project
- Aftertutor IP, an online magazine focused on combating misinformation.
On March 17, Russian media reported that Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry had formed a working group to conduct a comprehensive audit of USAID activities.
The reports also detailed the scale of USAID funding in the region:
- $34.17 million for the Central Asia Trade Program (DAI Global, LLC)
- $13 million for two Eurasia Foundation programs: Social Innovations in Central Asia and Kazakhstan QADAM Program
- $15 million for Resilient Communities (DAI Global, LLC)
- $3.5 million for Strengthening Human Rights and Equality in Central Asia (ILGA-Europe, TGEU)
- Over $2 million for Balanced and Credible Information in Central Asia (Internews Network)
As investigations continue, the Kazakhstani government is expected to provide further clarifications on the distribution and impact of USAID funding in the country.
