United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan
UNITED NATIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR AFGHANISTAN
Output 2.1: Economic and financial institutions and stakeholders have improved capacities to
contribute to economic stabilization and pro-poor, private-sector-led economic recovery.
The UN and other international agencies will generate evidence-based scenario simulations using
economic modelling tools to provide visibility on the future trajectories of the Afghan economy to
inform economic recovery-related programmatic recommendations and contribute to more credible
macroeconomic management policies that support price stability and inclusive economic growth.
Technical assistance will also be provided to financial sector institutions to develop industry- and
client-specific financial products including access to remittances and payment systems, promote
learning and exchange of best practices in financing, and re-establish correspondent banking
relationships with foreign banks that will foster international trade and transit.
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Where appropriate, the UN and its partners will examine opportunities provided by existing/growing
regional trade dynamics. Additionally, various financial guarantee schemes such as deposit
insurance and loan guarantees - will be provided with the aim of restoring trust in the banks and the
market. These interventions will fuel the revitalization of banking services and the overall financial
system in addition to rebuilding a pro-poor and inclusive microfinance industry.
Output 2.2: Private sector enterprises, particularly MSMEs, have improved access to finance, asset
support and business development services, and increased business opportunities that stimulate
growth and decent job creation.
The UN and its partners will support start-ups, MSMEs, agribusinesses, and the capacity development
of business services providers, including employers' and workers' organizations, and business
development mentors to facilitate private-sector-led growth and decent job creation. Women-owned
enterprises, women-led organizations, and women-focused organizations will be key beneficiaries and
partners. In coordination with TVET initiatives under Strategic Priority 1, the UN will support the
development of vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and life skills that match market needs and
demands and enhances the livelihoods, particularly of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and
other marginalized groups, as well as their participation in the labour force.
The empirical findings from these assessments will inform efforts on the development of existing
market infrastructure and creation of new infrastructure and opportunities for MSMEs to enhance
productivity, build on pre-existing resilience, and increase the adoption of technologies to improve
productivity and standards across value chains. With its partners, the UN will also focus on increasing
business opportunities, availability of market information, linkages with producers, access to financial
and energy services, and cost reduction measures, particularly in targeted population centres where
economic activities are concentrated and where MSMEs are typically clustered in accordance with
their specific value chains. The UN will work to promote women's participation in the economy by
addressing barriers restricting their engagement, supporting women-led enterprises, and providing
technical support to women entrepreneurs. The intended interventions will also promote
international labour standards, including occupational safety and health and elimination of child
labour and forced labour, in target MSMEs.
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