The World Bank has pledged to donate USD 1,200,000 to support Afghan micro-business with cooperation from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled. The program, aimed at expanding Afghan labor markets, involves supporting 2500 entrepreneurs in 3 provinces, paying USD 500 to each. Deputy Labor Minister of Afghanistan said the program would provide financial and technical cooperation to the entrepreneurs and it would be tentatively conducted in Kabul, Balkh and Nangarhar provinces. The program has already kicked off in Kabul with about 260 entrepreneurs. The World Bank received proposals with work plans from 1500 entrepreneurs from Kabul province and 524 eligible entrepreneurs were selected to be listed in the program. At least 30% of the candidates are women. The program would be implemented in 34 provinces, if the results will be successful. The Ministry of Labor plans to conduct survey of the Afghan labor market and the results would be released in next few months.
