5 Afghan firms sign PPAs with USAID

KABUL) in Kabul, the agency said.

A USAID statement said these companies matched USAID funding valued more than $4.5 million. “Through its Building Afghanistan by Developing Enterprises (ABADE) programme, USAID will assist these firms to expand their businesses and inject additional revenue into the Afghan economy,” the statement said.

It added the alliances were expected to create more than 260 direct and over 2,200 indirect new jobs. 

The alliance partners include a fruit and nut processing facility in southern Kandahar province, an innovative worm composting facility in Kabul and a construction machinery firm.

A pine nut harvesting and production project covering the Eastern forests and a quarry and marble processing facility in central Maidan Wardak signed the alliances. Two of the companies are women-owned.

“The Green Organic Agricultural Production Company is grateful to ABADE for their investment in our project, and we hope this paves the way for the success of other women-owned enterprises in Afghanistan,” said Ms. Hakima Zolfaghari, the company’s president. 

Afghan businesses that enter into alliances with ABADE have access to new technologies, equipment and technical assistance to help them grow their businesses, the USAID said.

“This programme mobilises private-sector resources and ideas by encouraging investments and business initiatives through Public-Private Alliances. I would like to use this opportunity to encourage small and medium enterprises and Afghan government partners to actively engage with ABADE,” said Jerry Bisson, USAID Acting Mission Director.  

PPAs in Afghanistan successfully combine the development goals of increased employment and economic growth with the business goals of increased revenue, market share and profit, with a focus on advancing opportunities for women and youth.

“Given the dedication, competency and professionalism of ABADE staff, I am fully confident that together we will achieve our desired results,” said deputy trade minister, Mozammil Shinwari.

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