Innovative Entrepreneurship Platform for Afghan Youth

by with No Comment projects

Context

Afghan youth face high unemployment, limited entrepreneurial opportunities, and lack of access to structured innovation platforms. UNDP sought to promote entrepreneurship and innovation skills among young men and women to strengthen their role in the economy.

Our Role

  • Designed and implemented youth entrepreneurship contests
  • Delivered capacity-building trainings for selected applicants
  • Facilitated internships and mentorship opportunities
  • Coordinated media outreach and awareness campaigns

Delivery Highlights

  • Startup Café concept developed and launched
  • National contest announced through universities, youth organizations, and media channels
  • 60 youth applications selected, with 2 day training sessions conducted in 3 institutions
  • Internship opportunities provided to 5 youth, including at least 1 young woman
  • 3 articles published in national media and 5 social media campaigns delivered

Project

Innovative Entrepreneurship Platform for Afghan Youth

Client / Partner

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Location | Duration

Afghanistan (Mazar-e-Sharif, Kabul, selected universities) | Nov 2023 – Apr 2024

Beneficiaries Reached

200 entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers

Impact

  • Strengthened entrepreneurial skills among Afghan youth
  • Increased visibility of youth innovation through national media coverage
  • Created internship pathways for young professionals, enhancing employability
  • Promoted gender inclusion by ensuring female participation in training and internships

Added Value

  • Gender-sensitive approach ensuring women’s participation
  • Strong collaboration with universities and youth organizations
  • Rapid implementation under UNDP’s strict compliance framework
  • Practical training adapted to local realities and youth needs

Business Skills Training & Coaching for MEI Beneficiaries

by with No Comment projects

Context

Afghanistan’s vulnerable communities face limited access to livelihood opportunities, low literacy, and gender barriers. Beneficiaries required practical business knowledge to successfully manage micro economic initiatives supported by ICRC cash grants.

Our Role

  • Designed and delivered tailored business training modules
  • Conducted field mentoring sessions in diverse provinces
  • Guided beneficiaries to develop market oriented business proposals
  • Provided continuous coaching and bi weekly reporting to ICRC

Delivery Highlights

  • 200–250 beneficiaries trained across 9 provinces
  • Separate sessions for men and women respecting cultural norms
  • 6 mentoring sessions per beneficiary over 3 months
  • Comprehensive final reports submitted to ICRC

Project

: Business Skills Training & Coaching for MEI Beneficiaries

Client / Partner

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Location | Duration

Balkh, Kunduz, Maimana, Herat, Shindand, Kandahar, Lashkargah, Khost, Jalalabad, Gulbahar | Jul 2024 – Jan 2025

Beneficiaries Reached

200 entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers

Impact

  • Enhanced business planning and bookkeeping skills among participants
  • Improved market entry strategies and supplier client relations
  • Empowered vulnerable men and women to launch sustainable micro businesses
  • Strengthened income generation capacity across multiple regions

Added Value

  • Gender sensitive delivery approach with separate training groups
  • Adaptation of materials for low literacy participants
  • Strong coordination with local authorities and ICRC field teams
  • Rapid implementation in challenging security and logistical environments

Durable Solutions for Returnee & Internally Displaced Youth and Women

by with No Comment projects

Context

Returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in western Afghanistan face severe challenges in accessing livelihoods, vocational skills, and economic opportunities. Women and youth are particularly vulnerable, requiring targeted support to rebuild their lives and integrate into local economies.

Our Role

  • Delivered vocational training (TVET startup classes) tailored to local market needs
  • Coordinated with UNDP and local authorities to ensure smooth implementation
  • Provided training kits, materials, and startup support for participants
  • Managed reporting and compliance under UNDP’s framework

Delivery Highlights

  • TVET startup classes launched in Herat within 2 weeks of contract signature
  • Progressive training phases completed over 3 months
  • Comprehensive training kits distributed (mobile repair, bead weaving, curtain design, electrical repair)
  • Structured graduation and certification events conducted for participants

Project

Durable Solutions for Returnee & Internally Displaced Youth and Women

Client / Partner

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (Joint Venture: Afghanistan Development and Welfare Services Organization + Three Dabster Consultancy Company)

Location | Duration

Herat, Afghanistan | Jan 2026 – May 2026

Beneficiaries Reached

: 200 entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers

Impact

  • Strengthened economic activity for returnees and IDPs in Herat
  • Empowered women and youth with practical vocational skills
  • Created pathways for self-employment and small business startups
  • Enhanced resilience and reintegration of vulnerable communities

Added Value

  • Gender-sensitive approach ensuring women’s equal participation
  • Practical training kits adapted to low-literacy participants
  • Strong collaboration with local authorities and UNDP field teams
  • Rapid implementation in a challenging displacement context

Accelerating Digital Startups & Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan

by with No Comment projects

Context

Afghanistan’s digital economy is still emerging, with youth and freelancers facing barriers such as limited funding, lack of incubation support, and gender gaps in participation. UNDP sought to strengthen the startup ecosystem by providing seed funding, training, and mentorship opportunities for young entrepreneurs and freelancers.

3D Our Role

  • Designed and implemented contests for digital startups and freelancers
  • Conducted incubation and training programs in Kabul and Herat
  • Organized pitch events and closing ceremonies to showcase innovations
  • Provided seed funding and incentive grants to startups and freelancers
  • Delivered continuous mentoring and monitoring of funded projects

Project

Accelerating Digital Startups & Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan

Client / Partner

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Location | Duration

Kabul & Herat, Afghanistan | Jan 2026 – Aug 2026

Beneficiaries Reached

200 entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers

Delivery Highlights

  • 120 applications collected; 60 startups selected (50% female participation)
  • 100 freelancers supported with training and incentive grants
  • 1 month incubation program delivered with expert trainers and mentors
  • Pitch events organized in Kabul and Herat with media coverage
  • 30 winning startups received seed funding in two tranches (66,400 AFN each)
  • Incentive support provided to remaining startups and freelancers
  • Closing ceremonies held with recognition of top performing teams

Added Value

  • Gender sensitive approach ensuring women’s equal participation
  • Adaptation of training for low literacy and early stage entrepreneurs
  • Strong collaboration with universities, tech hubs, and local authorities
  • Rapid implementation under UNDP compliance and reporting standards

Impact

  • Strengthened entrepreneurial capacity among Afghan youth and freelancers
  • Created direct funding opportunities for 30 startups and 100 freelancers
  • Improved digital business planning, pitching, and market entry skills
  • Promoted gender inclusion with 50% female participation in startups
  • Enhanced visibility of Afghan innovation through national media coverage