Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have agreed a new two-year initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and economic opportunities for women in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on border communities.
The project, formally titled “The Project for the Improvement of Women’s Livelihoods through the Promotion of Economic Activity in the Border Areas,” is funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It carries a budget of JPY 864 million, equivalent to approximately USD 5.6 million.
According to UNDP, the initiative is designed to support Afghan women and vulnerable groups by widening access to productive community infrastructure, helping women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and backing inclusive local economic recovery efforts.
The project includes plans to deliver 73 small community-based infrastructure improvements and expand financial and market access for 2,100 women-led MSMEs. It will also provide subsidised loans and entrepreneurship training to strengthen women’s economic independence and enhance their role in supporting household and community resilience.
In addition, the programme aims to improve local public and productive infrastructure, increase market opportunities for women, strengthen local economies, and encourage positive masculinity through a family-focused approach.
This latest initiative builds on the outcomes of the earlier “Project for Strengthening Women’s Economic Activity in the Private Sector” (WE-ACT). That project has so far supported 1,260 women-led MSMEs and generated more than 2,500 new jobs, 87% of which have been held by women. WE-ACT is also on track to complete 90 community infrastructure assets that reinforce local resilience. The new Japan-funded project is intended to build on and expand these achievements across additional border-area communities.
The Exchange of Notes for the agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Kenichi MASAMOTO, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, and Mr. Stephen Rodriques, Resident Representative of UNDP Afghanistan.
H.E. Mr. Kenichi MASAMOTO, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, said:
“Japan stands with the people of Afghanistan, especially women, in their pursuit of economic independence and dignity. This project will help create safe and meaningful opportunities for women to support themselves and their families.”
Mr. Stephen Rodriques, UNDP Resident Representative in Afghanistan, stated:
“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Japan and JICA in supporting Afghan women to overcome barriers, access livelihoods, and contribute to community resilience. The new project follows in the footsteps of WE-ACT, which has successfully demonstrated that investing in women’s businesses is an imperative for a prospering Afghanistan.”
The project forms part of UNDP’s broader Area-Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives (ABADEI), which aims to promote community resilience, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic recovery across Afghanistan. Through ABADEI, UNDP and its partners have restored essential infrastructure, generated millions of workdays, and supported local economies, keeping women’s empowerment at the centre of their interventions. The new initiative is expected to deepen this work by expanding women’s participation in economic recovery and local development efforts.
