The lack of employment opportunities for youth in Afghanistan is a serious issue that poses a significant threat to economic growth and social stability. The youth are the core strength of any society, and if they do not have suitable job opportunities, they may face unemployment and be compelled to seek opportunities abroad. However, the growth of productive sectors and the provision of job opportunities through these sectors can encourage young people to stay in their homeland and play a constructive role in Afghanistan’s economic development.
The productive sectors, which span agriculture, handicrafts, light industries, and other diverse areas, have tremendous potential for growth. Afghanistan is rich in natural resources and has a suitable foundation to meet the needs of both domestic and international markets. In addition, Afghan youth have a strong spirit for skill-building, innovation, and hard work. If the Afghan government and the private sector work together to foster productive sectors, it could lead to a wealth of employment and training opportunities for young people.
Several key steps are necessary to achieve this. The first step is for the government to create appropriate laws and policies for productive and industrial sectors that facilitate private sector investment. Reducing taxes, easing import and export processes, and creating a reliable environment for investors are crucial actions that will help stimulate productive sectors.
The second step is to initiate vocational and technical training programs for youth. This will enable them to acquire essential skills for productive work and make them capable of working in various industries. Vocational training centers should be established in every province so that youth can receive practical skills training in their areas and find pathways to productive industries.
The third approach is to focus investment specifically on agriculture and handicrafts. Afghanistan has vast opportunities in the agriculture sector, and investing in it can play a vital role in the country’s economic growth. In the field of handicrafts, Afghan products have high demand in the international market. By promoting and standardizing these products, Afghanistan can find a pathway to global markets and expand its export base.
To increase investment in productive sectors, collaboration and encouragement of investors are essential. The government should encourage both domestic and international investors and improve the investment climate in the country for them. Additionally, the government must provide infrastructure to support private sector development. Investing in infrastructure areas like electricity, water, and transportation can further strengthen productive sectors and create favorable conditions for their growth.
Through these efforts, Afghanistan can create a new environment for job and employment opportunities for its youth. These measures will not only drive economic growth but also play a constructive role in strengthening social stability. When youth have suitable job opportunities, they will stay in their country and, rather than emigrating, will contribute to Afghanistan’s economic and social progress.
Today, Afghanistan is one of the countries with a significant youth population, and if the energy of this youth is channeled into productive sectors, the country can enter a new phase of development and stability.
