Archive · 24 Jan 2026
EU Allocates €10M for Women's Economic Empowerment in Afghanistan
The European Union has decided to give €10 million to help women in Afghanistan start and grow their own businesses.
This money will be used for a program called WE-LEAD, which stands for Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development.
The program will work with the United Nations and local groups in Afghanistan to provide women with the tools and support they need to succeed.
This includes helping women save money, start small businesses, and connect with markets.
The program will focus on areas where women have fewer job opportunities and less access to financial services.
The goal is to make sure women can participate safely and inclusively in the economy.
The EU hopes this will help women support their families and improve their lives.
The European Union has allocated €10 million for the second phase of the WE-LEAD program in Afghanistan.
The program aims to improve livelihoods and create income opportunities for women through financial and non-financial services.
WE-LEAD II will be implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local Afghan institutions.
The initiative focuses on removing barriers to women's economic participation, including access to finance, markets, skills, and reliable income opportunities.
The project will be implemented in selected underserved provinces in the Central and Central Highlands regions of Afghanistan.
- Who
- European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- What
- Allocation of €10 million for the second phase of the WE-LEAD program to boost women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan
- When
- Announced on January 22
- Where
- Afghanistan, specifically in selected underserved provinces in the Central and Central Highlands regions
- Why
- To improve livelihoods, create income opportunities, and support the economic role of women in Afghanistan
- Funding Amount
- €10 million
- Program Name
- Women's Economic Empowerment through Local Enterprise Development (WE-LEAD)
- Implementing Partners
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local Afghan institutions
- Target Regions
- Central and Central Highlands regions of Afghanistan
- Focus Areas
- Access to finance, markets, skills, and reliable income opportunities
- Implementation Period
- Second phase of the WE-LEAD program
- Key Supporter
- European Union (EU)