The Ministry of National Economy has made changes to the list of mono-cities in the country, excluding Ekibastuz from it.
According to the ministry, this decision was made in accordance with the instructions of the president, outlined in the address to the people on September 2, 2024.
“This document stated the goal of spreading the successful experience of diversifying the economy of the city of Sarani to other mono-cities,” the agency noted.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry conducted a thorough analysis of the socio-economic indicators of mono-cities based on 78 key criteria, including industrial indicators, investment climate, business development, and employment diversity.
“The analysis showed that Ekibastuz demonstrates positive trends in economic diversification and is gradually moving away from mono-functional development. The urban economy is characterized by a more balanced structure, stable growth in industry, and high activity in the field of investments,” the ministry emphasized.
By the end of 2025, the volume of industrial production in Ekibastuz amounted to 1,629.4 billion tenge, an increase of 28.1% compared to the same period in 2024; investments in fixed capital reached 429.8 billion tenge, which is 20% more than the previous year. Employment covers several sectors, indicating a reduction in dependence on a single city-forming enterprise and a loss of mono-functional characteristics.
“In light of the positive economic and social indicators, the decision was made to exclude Ekibastuz from the list of mono-cities,” the ministry added.
In the updated list, there are 19 mono-cities remaining: Abai, Aksai, Aksu, Altai, Balkhash, Zhanaozen, Zhitikara, Lisakovsk, Karazhal, Kentau, Kulsary, Kurchatov, Ridder, Rudny, Satpayev, Stepnogorsk, Temirtau, Shakhtinsk, and Kromtau.
