The European Union has launched a new €5 million programme in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, aimed at stabilising Afghanistan’s private sector and supporting job creation across the country.

Under a newly signed administration agreement, the funding will support the Afghanistan Private Sector Stabilisation Programme, which seeks to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), encourage entrepreneurship and expand access to financial services.

The initiative is part of broader cooperation between the EU and the World Bank Group to promote inclusive, private sector–led economic recovery in Afghanistan.

The program places a strong emphasis on the economic participation of women, youth and returnees, and will work closely with private sector actors to improve the business environment and create sustainable livelihoods.

It is designed to complement existing EU efforts, particularly in rural development and microfinance, and will be reinforced by future World Bank initiatives.

Scheduled to begin next month and run for 42 months, the program will focus on five key areas: strengthening private sector coordination and advocacy; building the capacity of SMEs and start-ups, especially those involving women, returnees and internally displaced persons; improving financial inclusion; mobilizing private capital to generate jobs in key sectors; and expanding women’s economic participation through greater private sector engagement.

EU Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the initiative reflects the EU’s comprehensive support for the Afghan population, ranging from humanitarian assistance to longer-term economic recovery. She said the program is intended to promote job creation and entrepreneurship in strategic value chains, with a particular focus on women, youth and returnees.

IFC Regional Director for the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, said the agreement underscores a shared commitment to supporting Afghan entrepreneurs.

He noted that strengthening businesses is a practical way to protect livelihoods and help Afghans rebuild their economy with dignity, even amid ongoing challenges.

Abdul Mateen Saeed, Deputy Minister for Customs and Revenue at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance, has held talks with a delegation of Indian investors on potential investment opportunities in the country.

In a statement, the Ministry of Finance said Saeed highlighted the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s recent measures to facilitate trade and investment, noting that additional incentives for traders and industrialists are also being developed.

He emphasized that bilateral relations between Afghanistan and India—particularly in trade and investment—are gradually strengthening.

The Indian investors expressed readiness to invest in several priority sectors, including the manufacture of medicines for human, agricultural and veterinary use, the introduction of modern technologies in agriculture and mining, and the implementation of capacity-building programs for Afghan professionals.

Officials said the proposed investments could contribute significantly to job creation, the transfer of technical skills, and the broader growth of Afghanistan’s economy.

Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive media rights in Afghanistan to broadcast four major Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions, strengthening its sports portfolio and expanding access to top-tier regional football for Afghan audiences.

The tournaments will be broadcast from this month and will run through January and February 2026. Broadcasting dates and times still have to be finalized but details will be provided to fans as soon as possible.

Headlining the lineup is the AFC Champions League Elite 2025–26, Asia’s premier club competition. The tournament features the continent’s strongest teams and star players, following a revamped elite format designed to raise the level of competition and global appeal.

Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow high-profile clashes between Asia’s football powerhouses live on Ariana Television.

ATN will also broadcast the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, the continent’s secondary club competition that provides emerging clubs with a major international platform. This tournament plays a crucial role in developing competitive depth across Asian football and offers fans a chance to watch rising teams and talents from across the region.

International football takes center stage with the AFC U23 Asian Cup, set to kick off on 6 January 2026. The tournament is one of Asia’s most important youth competitions, showcasing the next generation of football stars and often serving as a pathway to senior national teams and Olympic qualification.

Coverage of the event will give Afghan viewers insight into the future of Asian football.

Rounding out the package is the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026, the continent’s flagship futsal tournament. Known for its fast pace, technical brilliance, and passionate fan following, the competition brings together Asia’s best futsal nations and is a key qualifier for global futsal events.

With these acquisitions, ATN reaffirms its commitment to delivering premium international sports content to viewers across Afghanistan.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television Network websites and social media platforms for the latest updates, schedules, and coverage details on these exciting events.