The Taliban's Ministry of Energy and Water signed three agreements worth $25mn with the private company Awfi Bahram Mining to advance solar power generation in Afghanistan. 

The projects, set to be developed in Farah, Uruzgan, and Paktika provinces, aim to address the electricity needs of residents in these areas. Each project will contribute to a substantial increase in the country’s solar power capacity, which currently stands at around 50 megawatts.

Abdul Latif Mansour, the Taliban's Minister of Energy and Water, and Haji Pahlawan, the head of Awfi Bahram Mining, formalized the deals in a ceremony on July 17.

Acting Minister Mansoor emphasized that since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, notable progress has been made in various sectors, especially in water and energy. He credited these advancements to the leadership of the Islamic Emirate and the commitment of its officials and staff.

Awfi Bahram Company’s Deputy, Noorullah, highlighted the importance of these solar projects for enhancing electricity generation. He assured that the company, in collaboration with Islamic Emirate institutions, would ensure the timely and high-quality completion of all contracted projects. 

Noorullah also urged investors and traders to leverage the improved security situation in Afghanistan and invest in the country's development, noting that the Islamic Emirate supports and facilitates all types of investments.

The solar power projects are expected to generate eight megawatts of electricity, benefiting approximately 5,000 households. This initiative marks a step forward in meeting the growing energy demands in Farah, Uruzgan, and Paktika provinces.

Afghanistan has long struggled with a lack of access to electrical energy, relying heavily on fossil fuels and generators. The country is significantly dependent on neighboring nations, importing 75% of its electricity from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, which costs millions annually.

The United Nations highlighted in late 2023 that Afghanistan is grappling with a severe energy crisis, with only 40% of households having access to electricity. These new solar projects aim to alleviate some of the country's energy challenges and reduce its reliance on imported power.

About Awfi Bahram Company (ABC) 

Awfi Bahram Company (ABC) is a registered mining, processing, and trading firm based in Kabul, Afghanistan. Operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ABC is focused on mineral exploration, mining, and trading in Afghanistan. The company, with additional shareholder offices in England, the UAE, South Africa, and Turkey, is led by a team of experienced Afghan and international professionals.

With a substantial portfolio valued at $1bn, ABC invests in various Afghan private-sector mining projects and government development initiatives. These include power generation from wind, coal, solar, and water dams, as well as infrastructure projects like transmission lines, roads, and railroads. ABC also invests in its own mineral processing facilities and the trading of minerals.

The company's mission is to be a leading, innovative, and responsible mining enterprise that benefits Afghan society and its investors. ABC's team comprises skilled geologists, engineers, policymakers, and other experts dedicated to achieving excellence in the mining sector. Its shareholders come from diverse industries worldwide, including gold, machinery, banking, and supply chains, and have a proven track record in multimillion-dollar businesses.

Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.