The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), in a report on the achievements of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF), stated that in 2023, 14 projects worth more than $35 million, of which $24.14M are contributions from AHTF, were implemented in Afghanistan.

In its first report on AHTF, IsDB said that in 2023, it has increased its support to combat food insecurity, provide child nutrition programs, healthcare, education, and health services to the citizens of the country.

“Eng. Mohammad Jamal Alsaati, Special Advisor to IsDB President and IsDB Coordinator for AHTF, indicated that 14 projects, signed in 2023, have been materialized at a total cost of US$ 35.35 million, of which US$ 24.14M are contributions from AHTF with a further $ 12.21 million provided by implementing partners and other international organizations,” the report reads.

“Liquidity is a condition of dynamism and economic growth in a country, thus aid from the Islamic Development Bank can be considered a significant boost to the economy of Afghanistan. Therefore, if such funds are allocated to the agriculture and energy sectors in Afghanistan, they will yield greater benefits,” said Abdul Zohor Mudaber, an economist.

Simultaneously, several capital residents say that poverty and unemployment have made them more dependent on humanitarian aid and they request that aid organizations continue their support.

Zabihullah, a resident of Kabul said: "The economy is completely ruined here. We come and spend our day earning between one hundred to two hundred afghani; we live in a rented house."

Ansarullah, another resident of Kabul said: "I have eight children and we live in a rented house. We ask the government to create job opportunities for us."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy considers the continuation of humanitarian aid crucial for eradicating poverty in Afghanistan.

"We appreciate the support from the Islamic Development Bank, but we request that future projects of the Islamic Development Bank and other aid organizations focus on infrastructure and development programs to assist Afghanistan in achieving self-sufficiency,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) was established on October 20, 1975, by 22 Islamic countries with an initial capital of 755 million Islamic Dinars in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

Its objective is to promote the economic development and social progress of its member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries, based on Islamic principles.