The European Union has allocated €19.8mn to the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Cultural Services (AKCS) for the "Economic Resilience, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Job Creation in Afghanistan" initiative. Valued at €22mn, the project aims to meet urgent community needs while promoting long-term economic stability, inclusion, and resilience in Afghanistan.
Veronika Boskovic Pohar, EU Chargée d’Affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Afghanistan, emphasized the disproportionate impact of poverty on Afghan women.
“Millions in Afghanistan remain trapped in poverty, with women disproportionately bearing the burden,” she said. “This initiative supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth, helping communities build self-reliance. By enhancing employment, income generation, and productivity, it promotes resilient livelihoods, particularly for women and other vulnerable groups, including youth, returnees, internally displaced persons, and farmers affected by the poppy ban.”
The project also focuses on addressing climate change impacts in Afghanistan. It aims to introduce climate-smart technologies to help communities withstand climate-induced shocks. Additionally, the EU continues to support financial inclusion through Community-Based Savings Groups under this initiative.
Dr. Najmudin Najm, Chief Executive Officer of AKF and AKDN Coordinator for Afghanistan, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the EU.
“We are excited to announce the signing of a new project with the European Union in Afghanistan, further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the EU and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the country,” he said. “This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to supporting Afghanistan, with a focus on creating economic wellbeing and livelihoods development opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people, including women and youth.”
The 36-month program aims to directly support 34,200 households and indirectly reach around 292,544 people, with a particular emphasis on youth and women. It will provide a mix of vocational, professional, and digital skills training, along with job-matching services. The project also seeks to diversify local economies, strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance job readiness. Furthermore, it aims to contribute to the revitalization of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage sector, fostering both economic and cultural growth.
Women’s economic empowerment is a key focus of the initiative, with 26,793 women set to benefit directly and 146,272 indirectly through various programs, including women-led dairy projects. The initiative will offer customized training and business development support tailored to the specific needs of women in Afghanistan.
To address climate change, the project introduces innovative solutions like solar-powered irrigation systems, which will boost agricultural productivity and alleviate water shortages. Additionally, the program aims to assist 920 farms and establish 300 greenhouses to enhance local food security.
The initiative also incorporates financial inclusion measures by expanding Community-Based Savings Groups and improving value chains and market access, ensuring sustainable economic growth and resilience within Afghan communities.
This initiative is a key component of the EU's broader efforts to support Afghanistan's most vulnerable groups, such as women, girls, minorities, internally displaced persons, and refugees. Through partnerships with trusted organizations, the EU is providing humanitarian aid and addressing basic needs with an emphasis on impartiality, transparency, and sustainable long-term results.
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