Three Years After Taliban Takeover Afghanistan Still Struggles with High Unemployment

Photo : EPA

Kabul, Afghanistan – Three years after the Taliban's return to power, Afghanistan continues to grapple with severe economic stagnation and worsening humanitarian conditions. Despite improved security and governance under the Taliban, the country remains mired in significant challenges.

Approximately one-third of Afghanistan’s 40 million people subsist on minimal sustenance like bread and tea, according to the United Nations. The World Bank has forecast zero economic growth over the next three years, reflecting the country's enduring economic difficulties. Although the Taliban's government remains unrecognized internationally, there have been some positive changes since their takeover in 2021, such as improved currency stability, reduced corruption, and better tax collection. Additionally, authorities have worked to establish regional economic, commercial, and investment ties, as noted by Ahmad Zahid, the Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry.

Afghanistan is abundant in mineral and agricultural resources, and the Taliban government has been actively pursuing the exploitation of these assets. However, their efforts are hindered by inadequate infrastructure and a lack of both domestic and international expertise and capital.

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Despite these overarching economic challenges, there have been some success stories. Azizullah Rehmati, a businessman from Herat, has seen significant growth in his saffron production. His "Red Gold Saffron Company" is set to double its output this year, thanks in part to the improved security that has removed the need for armed guards during transportation. Rehmati exports his saffron to 27 countries but faces significant hurdles due to the crippled banking sector, which has been affected by international sanctions and the freezing of central bank assets. This situation has forced him to rely on expensive private money changers in Dubai and face difficulties in securing visas.

In the cultural sector, the Taliban’s restrictions have had a severe impact. Wahid Nekzai Logari, a former musician with Afghanistan's national orchestra, has been left unemployed due to a ban on public performances of music. Once a prominent performer, Logari now struggles to support his family by driving a taxi, earning a fraction of his previous income. The prohibition on music has left many in the industry destitute and without government support.

Abdul Wali Shaheen, who transitioned from a Taliban insurgent to a bureaucrat, reflects on the challenges of his new role at the Department of Information and Culture in Ghazni province. Despite the added responsibilities and stress, Shaheen is hopeful about the future and is content with his salary, which supports his family.

The closure of beauty salons last year also had a profound impact on those in the industry. Sayeda, a 21-year-old salon manager, was deeply affected by the closure order but has since reopened her salon discreetly. Operating covertly to avoid detection, her business has declined from 30-40 customers a day to just six or seven. Despite reduced earnings and the risk of raids and fines, she continues to employ her staff.

Overall, Afghanistan’s economic landscape remains complex, with significant disparities between different sectors and individuals. While the Taliban government has made some progress in stabilizing the currency and reducing corruption, broader economic and humanitarian issues persist. The country’s struggles with infrastructure, international sanctions, and cultural restrictions highlight the multifaceted difficulties Afghanistan faces in its efforts to rebuild and develop.

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