Kazakh superapp Aitu aims to challenge WhatsApp’s dominance – Kursiv Media

Collage by Kursiv.media, photo editor: Dastan Shanay Kazakhstan’s national messenger, Aitu , is aiming to make everyday tasks easier for users, from obtaining government documents to transferring money and signing documents digitally. At the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, BTS Digital, which developed the messenger, unveiled a major update that expands Aitu beyond messaging and adds a range of digital services. The company is positioning the platform as a «Swiss Army knife» for everyday life in Kazakhstan. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev viewed new features of Kazakhstan’s national messenger, Aitu, and plans for the development of the Data Center Valley at the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 exhibition / Photo: Akorda Read also: New 1-gigawatt data center project to transform Kazakhstan’s economy. WhatsApp remains the dominant messaging platform in Kazakhstan, reaching more than 80% of the country’s population, or more than 13 million people, according to recent estimates. Aitu, meanwhile, has surpassed 1 million monthly active users. The developers are focusing on integrating practical services into the platform rather than competing solely on messaging volume. Read also: Durov calls out WhatsApp: ‘You’d have to be braindead to believe it’s secure.’ Pavel Durov slams WhatsApp users in a brutal security rant / Collage
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