KABUL (SW) – In a recent meeting with religious scholars and merchants in Kandahar, Hebatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Islamic Emirate, has expressed optimism for Afghanistan’s economic development, highlighting the country’s potential transformation through mining. He assured attendees that all challenges would be overcome, and no one should worry over Afghanistan’s current state.
However, some economic experts argue that Afghanistan’s economic challenges cannot be solely addressed through mining and mineral resource extraction. They emphasize the need to focus on agriculture and industry to foster economic growth.
Siyar Quraishi, an economic expert, stressed that investment in agriculture and industry, coupled with providing job opportunities, is essential for Afghanistan’s economic progress. He said: “Economic development relies on four factors including land, labor, management, and investment. Therefore, industrial, agricultural, and service sectors must all grow to move towards production, generating employment, increasing people’s purchasing power, and reducing poverty.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, another economic expert, also emphasized the prioritization of mining with processing capabilities within Afghanistan. “…In this way, the income rate increases. In other sectors such as industry and agriculture, efforts should be done to solve the problem.”
Economic experts highlighted the importance of the de-facto government having friendly political and economic relations with regional and global nations for Afghanistan’s economic growth.
The voices of struggling citizens in Kabul further illustrate the economic hardships faced daily. They highlight the urgent need for employment opportunities to address their economic woes and fulfill their basic needs.
Ibrahim, a Kabul resident and the sole provider for his family of eight, shares the challenges he faces in making a living. Working as a laborer with roadside pushcart, he barely earns 50 Afghanis per day, which falls short of covering his family’s basic food needs.
He adds: “They do not let us to work. We bring pushcart to the market and they ask us for tax. We can work no days, no nights. I work for 50 Afghanis a day. My house rent is 3 months late.”
Similarly, Halima, another Kabul resident, recounts the heavy burden she bears as the head of her household. “My hand broke while collecting alms. I was hit by a car. Now there is no flour and oil in the house; I sell paper, I do not know whether anyone will buy it or not.”
Amidst assurances of economic growth and challenges resolution, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) previously had expressed concerns about budget shortages for assisting millions Afghan citizens. OCHA stated that 23.7 million people, who make up more than half of Afghanistan’s population, need humanitarian aid in 2024.
Out of the requested $3.06 billion for aiding the needy in Afghanistan, only 6% has been disbursed by the international community, according to OCHA’s latest report.
As Afghanistan navigates its economic challenges, the consensus among experts is clear that a diversified approach focusing on variety of sectors is vital for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
