The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has announced a €22mn initiative to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan. The program aims to reduce reliance on humanitarian aid by creating employment opportunities, enhancing skills, and fostering economic diversification, ASIA-Plus reports.
The initiative, set to run for three years, seeks to address immediate community needs while supporting long-term self-reliance. Key objectives include:
- Directly supporting 34,200 households and indirectly benefiting over 292,500 people.
- Strengthening women’s livelihoods by providing tailored training, entrepreneurial support, and financial inclusion to nearly 26,800 women.
- Implementing climate-smart solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation, to bolster food security through 920 farms and the establishment of 300 greenhouses.
- Reviving livelihoods in Afghanistan’s cultural heritage sector, creating opportunities for youth and supporting cultural revitalization efforts.
The initiative emphasizes resilience-building and climate adaptation.
“This program supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth, helping communities build self-reliance and reduce dependency on aid,”
stated Veronika Boskovic Pohar, EU Chargée d’Affaires a.i. to Afghanistan. She highlighted the program’s focus on employment, productivity, and aiding vulnerable groups, including women, youth, returnees, and internally displaced persons.
Dr. Najmudin Najm, CEO of AKF and AKDN Coordinator for Afghanistan, noted that the partnership underscores the shared commitment of the EU and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to Afghanistan’s development.
The project will be implemented alongside Accelerate Prosperity and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. It marks a continuation of AKDN’s efforts to support sustainable development and enhance economic opportunities in Afghanistan.
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