Rising from the vast Kazakh steppe, Astana – the nation’s capital – has long stood as a symbol of ambition and transformation. Once known by several names, including Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, Akmola, and later Nur-Sultan, the city today represents the political and administrative heart of Kazakhstan. It is home to the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, as well as the country’s legislative and judicial branches, surrounded by an impressive skyline of futuristic architecture that defines its distinct identity.
Beyond its striking buildings and design, Astana thrives as a growing centre for commerce, industry, and technology. The city’s diverse economy spans manufacturing, construction, transport, telecommunications, and trade. Factories in Astana produce essential goods such as machinery, food products, and construction materials, driving steady urban and economic expansion.
Supporting this growth, the government of Astana, together with the Sovereign Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna and the National Economic Chamber, has continued to promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through targeted credit programs and financial support, the city saw a remarkable increase in entrepreneurial activity. By mid-2015, over 96,000 SMEs were operating in Astana – a 13.7% rise from the previous year – while employment in the sector grew by nearly 18%, surpassing 234,000 workers.
This strong foundation has made Astana a thriving economic engine for Kazakhstan and a focal point for educational and professional initiatives that drive national progress.
Partnering for Professional Development
One of the leading forces in nurturing this progress is BCPD Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the AIFCBureau for Continuing Professional Development. Focused on cultivating human capital, BCPD plays an integral role in developing a new generation of globally competitive professionals, particularly within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) ecosystem.
The organization provides world-class training and certification programs that strengthen expertise in finance, law, management, and digital innovation. Its mission extends beyond the classroom — to foster integrity, professional excellence, and lifelong learning while building a robust talent pipeline capable of advancing Kazakhstan’s position in the global economy.
BCPD’s training model rests on five core pillars: Learn, Develop, Qwant, Academy of Law, and Achieve — a framework that supports continuous education and certification for professionals across industries. Through this platform, BCPD continues to enhance skills development not only in Astana but across the wider Central Asian region.
Zeba Academy’s Commitment to Accessible Learning
In line with this vision, Zeba Academy, founded by Parakozm Ltd, entered into a partnership with BCPD to strengthen access to technology-driven education and professional growth opportunities. Established to provide educational tools and teaching resources, Zeba Academy has become a hub for learners eager to explore information technology in both traditional and innovative ways.
All of Zeba Academy’s IT courses are offered free of charge, creating inclusive learning pathways for students at every level. A selection of university faculty also contributes as instructors, ensuring that participants benefit from both academic expertise and industry insight.
The collaboration between Parakozm Ltd and BCPD reflects a shared commitment to adaptability and forward thinking – qualities essential in a world undergoing constant technological change. Both organizations view education as an evolving process that can take place anywhere and anytime, empowering individuals to meet the demands of a fast-changing global landscape.
At Zeba Academy, learning extends beyond theoretical knowledge. Students and alumni are encouraged to engage with the IT Hub, a platform designed to connect emerging professionals with freelance opportunities, projects, and industry networks. The Hub acts as a springboard for graduates seeking to transform their education into meaningful careers and innovations.