Tatarstan to Help Russian IT Projects Enter the OIC countries’ Markets
Tatarstan to Help Russian IT Projects Enter the OIC countries’ Markets
13 May
Tatarstan is ready to serve as a platform where countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) can develop co-operation in the IT sector. This was announced by Bulat Gabdrakhmanov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development of Public Administration, Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Tatarstan, at the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”.
“We see growing interest from countries of the Islamic world, the Middle East, Africa and ASEAN nations in building their own digital sovereignty and, consequently, in the technological solutions of Russia and, in particular, Tatarstan. This year, for the first time, we have launched the initiative that Tatarstan can be a centre and a hub for IT co-operation for OIC countries. To that end, we have launched a programme for the whole of Russia aimed at entering OIC markets. In a short period, we received over 50 applications, and the 15 best projects came to KazanForum. Together with international experts and the expertise of the IT Park and other development institutions, we are helping them reach the necessary level and successfully enter international markets,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Digitalisation of Tatarstan noted that Islamic countries are interested not only in importing and leasing software, but also in joint technology development. For example, in Qatar, where Tatarstan has established an IT hub, a solution for digitising horse racing is being implemented in partnership.
Khaled N. Khader, Head of the AI Department at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital (TAG.Global) (Jordan), stated that his country is interested in co-operation with Tatarstan and Russia in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. There is also interest in joint educational programmes.
“We need to pay attention to digital sovereignty. This is particularly relevant for Arab countries, as recently we have been leasing software. We would like to explore co-operation in creating this independent software. Both sides stand to benefit from this,” said Khaled N. Khader.
Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of the Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, said that his country is interested in the expertise of Tatarstan and Russia in the fields of cybersecurity and digital solutions. Cybersecurity, he noted, is a key issue today, and for this reason Algeria is interested in co-operation in this area.
“We are considering co-operation in the IT sector, as we have a relatively young and educated population. This co-operation could be very effective and beneficial for both sides – for both Algeria and Russia. Today, Algeria serves as a gateway to Africa, which can offer Russia significant opportunities for business co-operation,” said Noureddine Ouadah.
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The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate..
“We see growing interest from countries of the Islamic world, the Middle East, Africa and ASEAN nations in building their own digital sovereignty and, consequently, in the technological solutions of Russia and, in particular, Tatarstan. This year, for the first time, we have launched the initiative that Tatarstan can be a centre and a hub for IT co-operation for OIC countries. To that end, we have launched a programme for the whole of Russia aimed at entering OIC markets. In a short period, we received over 50 applications, and the 15 best projects came to KazanForum. Together with international experts and the expertise of the IT Park and other development institutions, we are helping them reach the necessary level and successfully enter international markets,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Digitalisation of Tatarstan noted that Islamic countries are interested not only in importing and leasing software, but also in joint technology development. For example, in Qatar, where Tatarstan has established an IT hub, a solution for digitising horse racing is being implemented in partnership.
Khaled N. Khader, Head of the AI Department at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital (TAG.Global) (Jordan), stated that his country is interested in co-operation with Tatarstan and Russia in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. There is also interest in joint educational programmes.
“We need to pay attention to digital sovereignty. This is particularly relevant for Arab countries, as recently we have been leasing software. We would like to explore co-operation in creating this independent software. Both sides stand to benefit from this,” said Khaled N. Khader.
Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of the Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, said that his country is interested in the expertise of Tatarstan and Russia in the fields of cybersecurity and digital solutions. Cybersecurity, he noted, is a key issue today, and for this reason Algeria is interested in co-operation in this area.
“We are considering co-operation in the IT sector, as we have a relatively young and educated population. This co-operation could be very effective and beneficial for both sides – for both Algeria and Russia. Today, Algeria serves as a gateway to Africa, which can offer Russia significant opportunities for business co-operation,” said Noureddine Ouadah.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate..
