In he current context, where the Afghan caretaker government is under increasing pressure, economic challenges are intensifying by the day. The reduction of government posts has already begun, and the flow of returning Afghan refugees from abroad is accelerating. This situation serves as a critical wake-up call for both the government and the nation. If the job market is not expanded, investment opportunities are not simplified, and private sector growth is not encouraged, the risks of unemployment, economic stagnation, and social unrest will only increase.
Afghanistan’s economy has faced numerous challenges over the past two decades. However, the current moment offers a golden opportunity—one that must be utilized through a fresh economic perspective. This new outlook should be rooted in an open-door investment policy, stable government policies, simplified procedures for licensing, taxation, and essential services, and a strong assurance to both Afghan and foreign investors that a transparent, secure, and stable environment exists.
One of the major economic obstacles today is that many investors—whether Afghan or foreign—are hesitant to invest due to instability, shifting regulations, or bureaucratic hurdles. The Afghan caretaker government must carefully assess this reality and eliminate practices that deter investors. For instance, obtaining a license to establish and operate a company should not take several weeks. Combating corruption, lowering unnecessary fees, and ensuring regulatory stability are essential elements for building investor confidence.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s market remains largely untapped. Thousands of opportunities exist that, if seized by experts, entrepreneurs, and investors, can generate substantial employment, raise household incomes, increase exports, and boost national revenues. Sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, technology, tourism, transportation, and services are still underdeveloped and need urgent expansion.
With the wave of returning Afghans, unemployment has reached a critical level. If job opportunities are not created, this issue will escalate beyond economics and manifest in security and social instability. Every returning refugee expects employment, income, and access to opportunities. The government must realistically recognize these expectations and design a strategy to absorb them through private sector engagement.
Another important factor is the need to reassure Afghan entrepreneurs. Many have faced unjustified barriers, fines, and abrupt decisions that discourage their efforts. If the government demonstrates genuine commitment, Afghan investors are the first willing to invest in their country—provided that governance is transparent, the rule of law is upheld, and supportive infrastructure is in place.
Similarly, international investors are interested in Afghanistan due to its natural resources, strategic location, affordable labor force, and access to emerging markets. But they require legal and physical investment guarantees, and a clear, straightforward, and consistent economic roadmap from the Afghan government.
In conclusion, the Afghan caretaker government must treat the investment environment as a matter of national security. If the economy grows, society remains stable, migration declines, and public trust in the government increases. This is not just the responsibility of the state, but a collective duty of businesspeople, civil society, media, and every Afghan citizen to demand ease of doing business and help rebuild the nation’s economic foundations.
Therefore, the urgent need of the day is to establish transparent laws, a consistent policy framework, and simple investment procedures—so that Afghanistan can move from economic uncertainty to becoming a stable, opportunity-rich, and prosperous nation.
