Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in economic development, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy. With this vision, we successfully launched the first-ever Start Your Business (SYB) training batch in Kabul, Afghanistan, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills to establish and grow their businesses.
This eight-day intensive training was conducted from September 10 to September 19, 2018, at ALC-4 Kabul, where 19 participants (8 men and 11 women) engaged in structured learning to develop and refine their business ideas. As one of the facilitators, alongside my co-trainer Ameer Khan Ameer, I had the privilege of guiding these participants through the ILO-certified SIYB methodology, ensuring they received high-quality business training in line with global standards.
✔ 40 Hours of Training: The program was conducted over eight days, with four-hour daily sessions, culminating in a full eight-hour workshop on the final day.
✔ Comprehensive Business Training: Participants learned business planning, market analysis, financial management, and operational strategies to successfully start and manage their businesses.
✔ Gender-Inclusive Program: With 11 women and 8 men, the training emphasized equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs.
✔ Practical Learning: Using real-world examples, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants were able to develop their business concepts with hands-on guidance.
✔ Free SIYB Materials: All participants received official SIYB training manuals to support their learning and business planning.
This first SIYB batch in Afghanistan marked a significant milestone in promoting entrepreneurial education and self-employment. By providing structured training based on internationally recognized SIYB principles, we aimed to empower individuals to create jobs, support their communities, and contribute to Afghanistan’s economic growth.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to expanding SIYB training opportunities across the country, ensuring that more aspiring entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and confidence to launch successful businesses.
🚀 This is just the beginning of Afghanistan’s entrepreneurial transformation!
📅 Date: September 20, 2018
✍ Author: Mohammad Akbar Mahmoody