European Union (EU) has allocated €19.8 million to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan, reducing dependence on humanitarian aid, Report informs, citing European External Action Service.
“The European Union has allocated €19.8 million to the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Cultural Services to implement the ‘Economic Resilience, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Job Creation in Afghanistan’ initiative. This project, with a total value of €22 million, aims to address the immediate needs of Afghan communities while fostering long-term economic stability, inclusion, and resilience,” the statement said.
Millions in Afghanistan remain trapped in poverty, heavily reliant on humanitarian aid, with women disproportionately bearing the burden,” stated Veronika Boskovic Pohar, EU Chargée d’Affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Afghanistan.
“This initiative supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth, helping communities build self-reliance and reduce dependency on aid. By enhancing employment, income generation, and productivity, it promotes resilient livelihoods, particularly for women and other vulnerable groups, including youth, returnees, internally displaced people, and farmers affected by the poppy ban. The program also considers the severe impact of climate change in Afghanistan by introducing climate-smart technologies and helping communities withstand climate-induced shocks. Additionally, the EU remains committed to supporting the microfinance sector through Community-Based Savings Groups (CBSGs) under this initiative.”