One of the major challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan is a lack of dependable financial services. Starting a home-based or small industrial business requires not only savings but also raw materials, training and access to customers.
In September 2026, UNDP and UN Women announced a joint initiative to assist women-owned businesses. The agencies said an initial $1.7 million was intended to support approximately 1,500 women entrepreneurs over the following year. Business training, financial education and digital literacy are also part of the programme.
According to the same announcement, fewer than 7% of women in Afghanistan have access to a bank account or mobile money service. Against this background, connecting access to financial services with business opportunities could be significant.
The programme's success should be measured not just by the amount disbursed but by whether businesses survive, incomes change, loans are repaid and jobs are created. The number of people targeted for assistance is not the same as the number who ultimately benefit.
Any discussion of women's economic participation must take account of financial constraints, local restrictions and the practical opportunities available.