On February 29, 2024, the Darya program marked a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s economic development by launching its inaugural cohort of 35 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Aimed at accelerating business growth across various sectors, including education, agriculture, energy, food, healthcare, handicrafts, technology, jewelry, livestock, carpets, and manufacturing, this initiative represents a comprehensive effort to […]
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On February 29, 2024, the Darya program marked a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s economic development by launching its inaugural cohort of 35 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Aimed at accelerating business growth across various sectors, including education, agriculture, energy, food, healthcare, handicrafts, technology, jewelry, livestock, carpets, and manufacturing, this initiative represents a comprehensive effort to bolster the Afghan private sector.
According to a press release sent to Khaama Press, Sanzar Kakar, the Entrepreneur in Residence at Darya, inaugurated the program, emphasizing the critical role of SMEs in sustaining the economy and the unique challenges they face in Afghanistan. “SMEs are the backbone of every economy. Afghanistan’s future lies squarely on SMEs successfully blossoming,” Kakar stated. He highlighted the high global failure rate of startups and the particularly challenging business environment in Afghanistan, underscoring Darya’s mission to support Afghan SMEs in becoming leading examples of business success.
Funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and implemented by Moore Afghanistan in partnership with PHC, Darya offers a beacon of hope for Afghan entrepreneurs through a suite of services designed for business growth in challenging economic conditions. These services aim to equip businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate market complexities, foster innovation, and achieve scalable growth.
The program’s participants, representing a cross-section of vital economic sectors, share a unified goal of overcoming the economic downturn and identifying innovative growth strategies. Reflecting on the program’s potential, one business owner shared, “In Afghanistan, having a business is hard. Darya’s program promises to give us the tools and knowledge we need to overcome these challenges and achieve our business goals.”
Darya’s initiative signals a new era for Afghan businesses, creating opportunities for growth in a unique business landscape. With plans to enroll up to 100 participants, including women-led enterprises and tech-enabled startups, and having received 800 applications, the program addresses a significant demand for business support in Afghanistan.
This launch not only signifies a critical step towards empowering Afghan SMEs but also contributes to the broader economic development and sustainability of the country’s private sector.
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