Afghanistan has one of the youngest populations in the world. Whether young people can find work, build businesses and contribute to their communities will have profound implications for the country’s future. CMI contributed to this discussion at Afghanistan Week in Oslo, where young Afghan entrepreneurs, international stakeholders and experts explored the links between livelihoods, economic opportunity and resilience.
Organised in cooperation with the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee and partner organisations, the conversation highlighted both the challenges facing Afghanistan’s young population and the determination of many young Afghans to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
Economic opportunities and resilience go hand in hand
A central theme of the discussion was the relationship between economic opportunity and peace.
With a rapidly growing youth population, creating jobs and livelihoods is not only a development challenge but also an important factor in strengthening communities and supporting long-term resilience. Participants reflected on how limited employment prospects, economic uncertainty and barriers to participation can affect young people’s futures. At the same time, creating pathways for young people to participate meaningfully in economic life can strengthen resilience and contribute to more stable communities.
The discussion underscored that economic opportunity and social resilience are closely connected.
Enabling young people to pursue their ambitions can help strengthen confidence and create a sense of hope and possibility for the future.
Young Afghan entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience and initiative
The discussion gave Afghan entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their experiences directly. Speakers highlighted how young Afghans continue to create livelihoods through small businesses, start-ups and other entrepreneurial initiatives despite significant challenges.
Participants highlighted the creativity, adaptability and determination demonstrated by many young Afghans. Entrepreneurs emphasised the importance of access to finance, mentorship, business networks and market opportunities. The conversation also highlighted the valuable role that skills, education and international experience can play in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
However, participants also described the structural barriers they face, including restrictions affecting access to financial services, limited investment opportunities and the broader economic uncertainty.
The discussion also highlighted the potential contribution of Afghans returning from neighbouring countries, who can bring valuable skills, experience and networks. Strengthening rural livelihoods and local economic opportunities was seen as equally important to ensuring that economic development reaches communities across the country.
What support can make a difference?
A key focus of the discussion was identifying practical ways international actors can support economic opportunities in Afghanistan under current circumstances.
While humanitarian assistance remains essential, several participants emphasised the importance of complementing it with support for livelihoods, entrepreneurship and private sector development.
Discussions highlighted the need to view Afghanistan not only through a humanitarian lens, but also through its economic potential and the capabilities of its people.
Participants noted that many young Afghans are not only seeking assistance, but opportunities to contribute, innovate and build sustainable futures for themselves and their communities. Entrepreneurs shared experiences that challenged common perceptions of Afghanistan as a country defined solely by crisis, pointing instead to examples of initiative, adaptability and private sector activity that continue despite significant constraints.
Participants also considered where existing constraints continue to limit economic activity and what changes could help unlock greater opportunities for Afghan businesses and young people.
Investing in Afghanistan’s youth remains critical
The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that Afghanistan’s young population is not left behind. While the challenges facing the country remain significant, participants pointed out that young entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate initiative, adaptability and determination. Supporting skills development, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity can help unlock this potential and contribute to long-term development.
Young Afghans are not only beneficiaries of support, but important partners in shaping the country’s future.
For CMI, the discussion reflected the importance of engaging with a broad range of Afghan actors and creating space for dialogue on practical solutions that support economic opportunity and resilience. Supporting dialogue and bringing together diverse perspectives remains an important part of understanding how economic opportunity can contribute to a more peaceful and stable future.
About CMI’s work in Afghanistan
CMI works with a broad range of actors interested in promoting stability and improving daily life in Afghanistan. Our engagement combines local, regional and international dialogue efforts, including support for Afghan civil society and private sector actors working on issues related to economic stability and development.
Through dialogue, analysis and engagement with relevant stakeholders, CMI seeks to foster cooperation and support constructive approaches that contribute to stability and human security in Afghanistan.
