After decades of conflict, the insecurity that exists in Afghanistan is compounded by poverty and unemployment. Without reliable, fulfilling employment that pays a fair wage, people will continue to fight and social unrest will persist. Therefore, one of the keys to fueling Afghanistan’s economic development and social stability is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs can become the backbone of villages and communities by creating employment opportunities and jumpstarting the local economy.
In developing countries like Afghanistan, microbusinesses are some of the most promising vehicles for encouraging entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. While people may think that micro-level operations make little difference on the macro level, in reality they have an enormous effect on a community. Any degree of income within a community translates to better food, better housing, and less desperation, which in turn naturally limits violence.
Micro-enterprises have already begun to transform the lives of many Afghan people. Several different government agencies and non-governmental organization have taken steps to encourage microbusinesses. As more such enterprises are created, the entire nation can be transformed.
Much of the microbusiness training in Afghanistan teaches individuals about simple business practices, such as peer-to-peer lending and money pooling. Microfinance transactions from various organizations can also fuel development by giving individuals the startup capital they need to build a successful business. When a couple of neighbors get together to form a business, they can grow their operation by employing other people from the community. Over time, unemployment rates will decrease, and conflict and unrest will follow suit.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks 2014 report, unemployment is the second most serious risk facing the modern world. In addition, a World Bank global survey in 2011 found that two in five members of rebel groups identified unemployment and idleness as their primary reasons for joining a cause. Aid sent to Afghanistan has made amazing things possible in terms of education and health care. Still, however, employment needs to become a primary concern moving forward, especially in terms of achieving security within the country. Afghanistan cannot hope to move forward without the promise of safety and security for its people.