KABUL (SW) – In Afghanistan, where young people face numerous economic and social challenges, small-scale entrepreneurship has emerged as a key driver of economic and social development.
It plays a significant role in creating job opportunities, reducing poverty, and enhancing social welfare.
Small-scale entrepreneurship, often initiated by individuals with limited capital and resources, has attracted attention due to its flexibility, innovation, and direct connection to local needs.
In this report, Salam Watandar spoke with six young entrepreneurs who have ventured into small-scale businesses.
These young individuals have shared that the lack of job opportunities, a desire for self-employment, market demand, and financial independence motivated them to pursue entrepreneurship in small fields.
Subhanullah Durrani, a graduate in Agriculture, has ventured into the construction sector by making building models. He says he earns between $300 to $1000 per month and has been in this business for five years. “I started from scratch. There was no company where I could work. I started making things from very simple materials like cardboard, balls, and wood. I have completed and executed more than 70-80 projects.”
Narges, a 20-year-old who began designing women’s jewelry in 2023, says this form of entrepreneurship has allowed her to achieve financial independence. “I researched for two years to become financially independent, to have my own brand, and find a way to not depend on others. I would watch social media and think, ‘If they can do it, I can too.’”
On the other hand, Zulaikha, 32, from Balkh, started working as a makeup artist at 17. Now, with the income from this business, she has become a partner in a construction company with her brothers. “My investment grew to the point where I became a partner in a construction company with my brothers. Currently, we work together.”
Tajuddin, a young man from Baghlan, was able to start a supermarket with limited capital in the past three years. He now considers it a steady source of income. “I came to Qasaba (area) in 2021, opened a store, and started a supermarket business.”
Shabnam, a 25-year-old from Herat, entered the field of online currency exchange with a limited capital of 3,000 afghanis, and Wazirullah, 33, from Khost, began an online business and is now active in this sector. Both say these ventures have provided them with new job opportunities and financial independence.
“I started with 3,000 Afghanis and gradually grew it to 8,000 or 10,000 afghanis,” Shabnam said.
Wazirullah also stated, “My personal challenges led me to start a business, and fortunately, I became successful.” The efforts of these young people demonstrate that with hard work, creativity, seizing opportunities, and overcoming challenges, it is possible to break down barriers and pave the way for success.
Khobaib Ghofran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture under the de-facto government, says the ministry has organized many programs to enhance the capacities of young people and is working to create more job opportunities.
He adds, “We have professional training programs, freelance programs, and various initiatives in graphic design and Amazon businesses under the Youth Department in Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Kandahar, Nangarhar, and Kunduz. These programs are actively training youths. Another program of the department is teaching business methods, working with a specific number of young people.”
In recent years, small-scale jobs have become an important opportunity for young people to earn income and gain financial independence. Despite challenges such as limited resources and lack of adequate support, this sector still holds significant potential for growth and youth employment generation.
