The National Procurement Authority (NPA) said on Saturday that in future it will make sure products are purchased from women-owned companies in a bid to support female entrepreneurs.

According to NPA officials, currently a number of companies and factories have been established and are being managed by women in Afghanistan.

The officials said they will earmark at least five percent of procurement totals to goods for government departments from women’s companies.

Ramin Ayaz, head of the media section of the NPA said some amendments were made to the procurement process in order to specify the five percent.

He said this new policy will benefit companies that are women owned and where at least 50 percent of the staff are women.

“NPA recently decided to amend article 4 of the procurement procedure in order to support women.  Based on which we will give five percent priorities to those companies that are owned or managed by women or at least 50 percent of its staff are women,” said Ayaz. 

Ministry of Economy spokesman Suhrab Bahman meanwhile said the NPA’s new move will empower women and will help them to increase their business potential in the country. 

“Women's economic activities play a vital role in economic growth, because their activities positively impact family’s finances,” said Suhrab. 

The ministry of economy welcomed the NPA’s move and said giving five percent share to women’s companies will play a significant role in enhancing women-led businesses.