Afghanistan's youth population remains a critical demographic segment, constituting a significant portion of the country's overall populace. With approximately 63% of the population under the age of 25, Afghan youth represent a sizable cohort with immense potential to drive economic development, innovation, and social change.

Despite the persistent challenges posed by political instability, economic fragility, and security concerns, Afghan youth exhibit remarkable resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. They are eager to contribute to their communities and the broader economy through job creation, business ventures, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

The potential for youth-led job creation, businesses, and entrepreneurship in Afghanistan is substantial. In sectors such as agriculture, technology, retail, and services, young Afghans are actively seeking opportunities to establish their own enterprises, innovate, and generate employment opportunities for themselves and others.

However, realizing this potential requires overcoming various barriers and obstacles, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, and security risks. Despite these challenges, many young Afghans are pursuing entrepreneurship as a means of economic empowerment and self-reliance.

To support youth entrepreneurship and business development, concerted efforts are needed from both the public and private sectors. This includes providing access to financing, business incubation programs, mentorship opportunities, vocational training, and regulatory reforms to create a more conducive environment for starting and growing businesses.

Despite the complexities and uncertainties facing Afghanistan, the country's youth population represents a reservoir of talent, creativity, and energy that can drive sustainable economic growth and social progress. With the right support and investment, Afghan youth have the potential to become catalysts for positive change and contribute significantly to the country's development journey.

The ABADEI program by UNDP has launched a platform to foster innovation and entrepreneurship skills among young people. This platform aimed to empower young individuals by promoting entrepreneurship skills and providing seed funding to promising participants. It offered training sessions, mentorship programs, and incubation support to guide participants in refining their business concepts and navigating the complexities of running a business. This holistic approach nurtured the entrepreneurial spirit within each participant and fostered a culture of innovation.

The programme received 150 applications from young individuals through a strategic partnership with three prominent universities. UNDP identified the top 60 innovative business ideas that would qualify for a rigorous two-day business idea development session. Following this phase, 50 most promising concepts were selected for the pitching sessions with experts. Finally, after a series of evaluations and deliberations, the project culminated in the recognition of the nine most outstanding winners who demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation. The nine winners received seed funding between $1500 - $3000 so that they could start their business. Five candidates were provided with internship opportunities with established businesses. 

The programme received 150 applications from young individuals through a strategic partnership with three prominent universities. UNDP identified the top 60 innovative business ideas that would qualify for a rigorous two-day business idea development session. Following this phase, 50 most promising concepts were selected for the pitching sessions with experts. Finally, after a series of evaluations and deliberations, the project culminated in the recognition of the nine most outstanding winners who demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation. The nine winners received seed funding between $1500 - $3000 so that they could start their business. Five candidates were provided with internship opportunities with established businesses. 

Journey to sustainable growth

Mohammad Ismail Bahrami embarked on his entrepreneurial journey on May 1^st, 2024 at Omid Sabz City known as Haji Nabi City in Kabul, with a clear vision: to establish a sustainable, high-quality fish production venture that prioritizes both profitability and environmental responsibility. Setting ambitious yet achievable goals, Mr. Bahrami aimed to produce 4 tons of fish within six months while expanding his customer base. To kickstart his venture, he meticulously procured equipment and 2000 Silver & Grass Larva, laying the foundation for success.

Recognizing the power of community engagement, Mr. Bahrami forged partnerships with local customers in the surrounding area and as well as restaurants in Kabul, enhancing his customer reach and fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth. Complementing his strategic vision was Mr. Bahrami's investment in a dedicated on-site team. Through meticulous training and empowerment, he ensured operational efficiency and excellence. Today, Mohammad Ismail Bahrami's fish production venture stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Mohammad Ismail Bahrami has established a successful fish production venture, showcasing remarkable operational efficiency and growth. With over 3 years of experience since its inception in Ghazni province, his enterprise has seen substantial revenue increases year over year in Ghazni province. Productivity has soared, evident from significant expansions in production volume. Bahrami's focus on operational efficiency is apparent through reduced costs and optimized resource utilization, contributing to sustained profitability. His venture's expansion into new markets (Kabul) underscores his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence in the industry. With sustainability, quality, and profitability at its core, his success story serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in pursuit of their dreams.

The program's application criteria was developed to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the suitability of applicants and the potential of their business ideas. The review process considered various aspects, including the innovation details of the business idea, the specific challenges or problems the innovation addressed, and the proposed solutions. Additionally, market potential, revenue model, and the applicant's experience and skills were key factors. Feasibility and viability of the business idea were also assessed, alongside the importance of diversity and inclusivity. The evaluation further included the implementation plan and timeline, as well as the presentation skills of the applicants. This holistic approach aimed to identify the most promising and impactful entrepreneurial ventures.

The initiative, made possible through the support from the Govenment of Japan, aligns with UNDP's broader commitment to enhancing entrepreneurship, particularly for women. UNDP has provided comprehensive technical support to women for entrepreneurship development and business expansion, generating employment opportunities for internally displaced people, returnees, and host communities across the country. Supporting women’s businesses remains central to UNDP’s mission. Through collaboration with international and national partners, UNDP has supported approximately 75,000 women-led micro and small businesses since 2021. These initiatives have created opportunities for more than 900,000 people, predominantly women, benefiting an estimated 4.5 million Afghans. This data underscores UNDP's unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting women-led businesses, contributing to economic resilience and social stability in the region.

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