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A Flame of Hope ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Economic Development

Mercy Corps-sponsored business courses and vocational training are creating economic opportunities for women in Kabul, Afghanistan.

A Blooming Business in Kabul ›

Topics: Economic Development

Ahmad took a micro-loan of 7500 Afghani ($150 USD) from Mercy Corps’ microfinance program and invested in a variety of materials for his shop. Now, he says his sales have skyrocketed and his customers are a lot happier with the selection he is able to offer.

American-Style Baby Swings Sell Well in Afghanistan ›

Topics: Children, Economic Development, Women's Empowerment

Najeeba approached Mercy Corps for a small business loan. Word about her unique baby jumpers quickly spread and neighbors started lining up to place orders. Five months later, Najeeba had re-paid her loan and expanded her business to many provinces beyond Kabul.

Asian Fashion for Kabul Women ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Economic Development

Nadjia, who lived in Iran for eight years when the Taliban was in control of Afghanistan, ran a very successful import clothing business in Iran. She hopes to replicate this success in Kabul.

Afghan Woman Selling to Women ›

Topics: Economic Development, Women's Empowerment

Aziza launched her own shop selling clothes and other goods directly to other women. Business has been good and she is already working to expand her shop and product line with a loan from Mercy Corps’ microfinance program.

The Wedding Singer ›

Topics: Economic Development

Sitting on a bench in front of a row of teller windows at the Mercy Corps loan disbursement center, Parviz is busy counting his cash. He has just received a micro-loan to help finance his wedding band.

Hatching a New Business ›

Topics: Agriculture, Economic Development, Women's Empowerment

Over the din of hundreds of cheeping little chicks, Fawzia explains the business plan for her newly launched chick farm.

Bicycle Shop Owner Runs Brisk Business ›

Topics: Economic Development

The fall of the Taliban regime and wave of returning to refugees back to Kabul has brought a surge of new customers to Obaidulhah’s little ramshackle bicycle shop in Kabul.

A Beauty Shop of Her Own ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Economic Development

With the opening of the Bagh-E-Zanana Women’s Market and prospects of a loan from Mercy Corps’ microfinance program, Lailuma was finally able to open her own business.

A Window Into Northern Afghanistan ›

Topics: Emergencies, Women's Empowerment, Peaceful Change

Aid worker gains rare access to women in Afghan villages and coordinates Mercy Corps projects to improve the lives of these marginalized women.

Afghanistan Facts

  • Population (2008): 32 million
  • Size: slightly smaller than Texas
  • Human Development Index rank: n/a
  • Mercy Corps has worked here since 1986
  • Primary work: microfinance loans to female entrepreneurs, veterinary services for livestock farmers, up-to-date education in agriculture and marketing practices, eliminating farmers' dependency on opium poppy production
  • Labor force in agriculture: 80%
  • Percentage rise of opium production since 2006: 15% (Washington Post)
  • Foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan: 71,000+ (Javno.com)

Program Details

Mercy Corps has been in Afghanistan since 1986, and we are currently assisting more than 2.5 million Afghans to stabilize and rebuild their lives. Dozens of our projects throughout the country focus on agricultural and economic development to build stronger communities.

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Recent Blog Posts

Related Posts

Recent posts on globalenvision.org, Mercy Corps' student-written blog that explores the confluence of markets and poverty alleviation through news, commentary and discussion.

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