Kazakhstan issues its first preferential loan in digital tenge under the "Örleu" program

The Entrepreneurship Development Fund "Damu", a subsidiary of the Baiterek Holding, has issued the first preferential loan in digital tenge with the support of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. The financing was provided through Halyk Bank under the "Örleu" program at 12.6 percent per annum.

First borrower

The first entrepreneur to receive a loan in digital tenge is Vitaly Kremberg from Pavlodar. His project focuses on constructing a facility for the production of granules/absorbent — a material used:

• as a hygienic filler for pets
• in construction

• in agriculture
• for environmental purposes, including liquidating fuel and lubricants spills

He emphasized that choosing digital tenge was a deliberate decision:

"We launched this project not just for business. We want to create a product we can be proud of — a high-quality absorbent made here, on our own land. This is not just a filler for animals; it is a universal raw material that can be used in household tasks, construction and environmental applications. State support through the Örleu preferential lending program became our starting capital, and we use digital tenge as a symbol of a new stage: technological, transparent and focused on long-term growth. We want to turn this trust into real change — to create a product in our country that meets high standards and to build a business that becomes a symbol of sustainable, responsible production."

Advantages of digital tenge for businesses

The Damu Fund notes that digital tenge makes the financing process more accessible. Key advantages include:

• remote processing
• fast review and disbursement
• transparent fulfillment of state program requirements
• no tax audits, which reduces administrative burden
• reduced VAT refund period from 55–75 days to 15 business days

Deputy Chairman of the Damu Fund Arsen Mustafin said:

"We see great potential in using digital tenge to enhance the transparency and efficiency of state support programs. One of its key advantages is the ability to label digital funds, which greatly simplifies and improves monitoring of how allocated financing is used. This agreement is an important step toward integrating advanced financial technologies. Through this partnership, entrepreneurs will gain access to credit products in digital tenge, making the lending process faster, more transparent and more efficient. We plan to further develop this direction and expand the use of digital tenge in working with businesses."

Loan conditions

The entrepreneur attracted 250 million tenge for 7 years at 12.6%. The funds will be used to:

• purchase a land plot
• construct a production facility
• acquire production equipment

The project is expected to create around 10 jobs in its first year. Planned production capacity — 1,200–1,400 tons per year.

Partnership between Damu and Halyk Bank

The loan was issued under the cooperation agreement between the Damu Fund and Halyk Bank as part of the "Örleu" program, including financing in digital tenge.

Deputy Chairwoman of Halyk Bank Olga Vuross stated:

"Halyk's participation in the pilot project highlights the bank's commitment to innovation and its active involvement in transforming Kazakhstan’s financial landscape. The partnership with the Damu Fund opens new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to receive loans in digital tenge with simplified procedures and increased transparency."

Digital tenge as part of the new financial architecture

Digital tenge is an electronic form of Kazakhstan’s national currency issued by the National Bank. The regulator notes that this technology reshapes the approach to public finance.

Advisor to the Chairman of the National Bank Transformation Binur Zhalenov, said:

"The digital tenge scenario implemented by the Damu Fund and Halyk Bank is a clear example of how programmable money can reshape the architecture of public finance: improving convenience for entrepreneurs, reducing operational risks and ensuring full transparency of support programs. Such mechanisms create a new standard of trust between the state, banks and businesses. We expect these solutions to scale very quickly. I would like to remind that, by order of the President, digital tenge must be gradually implemented across all types of public expenditures and subsidies, forming the foundation for a more efficient, technological and sustainable financial system in the country."

How to apply for the "Örleu" program

To participate, entrepreneurs must apply to second-tier banks included in the program. Currently, cooperation agreements have been concluded with:

• Halyk Bank
• Bank CenterCredit
• ForteBank
• Bereke Bank
• Eurasian Bank
• Freedom Bank
• Nurbank
• RBK Bank
• KZI Bank

Additionally, participants may apply for a guarantee from the Damu Fund.

Detailed program conditions and regional office contacts are available via the Call Center 1408 and at damu.kz.