Japan-Funded UNDP Projects Boost Afghan Livelihoods, Officials Say Sustained Support Needed

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- Japan-funded projects implemented by the United Nations Development Programme over the past four years have created thousands of jobs, supported businesses and improved infrastructure, benefiting more than one million Afghans, particularly women, officials said at a press conference in Kabul.

Stephen Rodriguez, UNDP representative in Afghanistan, stated the initiatives supported more than 2,200 businesses, benefited over one million Afghans, created or sustained more than 11,000 jobs and built around 150 social infrastructure facilities.

Japan's Ambassador to Afghanistan Kenichi Masamoto said the projects resulted in approximately 800 small-scale infrastructure schemes, 9,000 jobs, support for 3,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and assistance to more than 1,100 former poppy farmers.

Rodriguez and Masamoto highlighted that the projects strengthened livelihoods through job creation, business support and social infrastructure development, with a focus on women.

They described Afghanistan's socio-economic situation as having deteriorated due to tensions with Pakistan and Iran, returns of Afghan migrants, global instability and restrictions on women's rights. Both officials stressed the need for sustained international support amid these challenges.

In November, Japan signed a new $5.6 million agreement with UNDP for a two-year project to improve women's livelihoods in border areas.