The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The U.N. Development Programme said on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, that a Japanese-funded project has strengthened women-led small and medium-sized enterprises in northern Baghlan province, helping create jobs and economic stability.
In a post on X, UNDP said the Women’s Economic Advancement through Community Transformation (WE-ACT) project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has assisted 180 women-led MSMEs across three districts of Baghlan province.
One beneficiary, Shazia, a beekeeper from Khowaja Dawood village, saw her small business expand significantly after receiving support through the project. UNDP said Shazia initially operated 26 bee boxes, earning about 7,000 Afghanis ($100) a month, and struggled to support her family.
Through the WE-ACT project, Shazia received entrepreneurship training, a $1,000 cash grant, and a toolkit valued at $550, including bee boxes, wax, a honey-extracting machine and other supplies. The training, held in her village, focused on market analysis, financial planning and business development.
UNDP said Shazia’s business has since grown to more than 60 bee boxes, more than doubling her monthly income to about 15,000 Afghanis, and now employs three other women. Her enterprise now attracts customers from across the province, inspiring other women to start or expand their own businesses.
According to UNDP, the WE-ACT project is implemented as part of its nationwide ABADEI programme, aimed at improving access to finance, building skills and strengthening local economies through women-led enterprises.
