Annual Report FY 2014: Assistance in Building Afghanistan by Developing Enterprises Program

The program, led by the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) in partnership with the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA), focuses on three key components: Public-Private Alliances, Technical Assistance and Business Advisory Services, and Business Enabling Environment. Public-Private Alliances is the first component of the ABADE program, which seeks to establish partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote economic growth and development. During the reporting period, the program implemented SME and Innovation Alliances, which aimed to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovation in Afghanistan. The program also facilitated the signing of Public-Private Alliances (PPAs) in Year 2, which are expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. The second component of the ABADE program is Technical Assistance and Business Advisory Services, which provides support to SMEs and innovation alliances through technical assistance and business advisory services. During the reporting period, the program developed SME and Innovation Alliances, which aimed to support the development of SMEs and innovation in Afghanistan. The program also provided technical assistance to sub-award recipients and program stakeholders, as well as demand-driven technical assistance to support the development of SMEs and innovation. The third component of the ABADE program is Business Enabling Environment, which seeks to support the development of a business-friendly environment in Afghanistan. During the reporting period, the program supported the development and implementation of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries' (MoCI) SME Strategy and Action Plans, which aimed to promote the development of SMEs in Afghanistan. The program also mobilized and supported private sector stakeholders to identify and remove legal, regulatory, and administrative barriers to business development. The ABADE program has made significant progress in promoting economic growth and development in Afghanistan. The program has supported the development of SMEs and innovation, facilitated the signing of PPAs, and promoted a business-friendly environment. The program has also made significant contributions to the development of Afghanistan's investment promotion programs, including the establishment of the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA). The program has also implemented several success stories, including the establishment of new roles in media for Afghan women, the expansion of the cashmere industry, and the improvement of business action plans through stakeholder inputs. The program has also made significant contributions to the development of Afghanistan's business sector, including the establishment of the Afghanistan Business Innovation Fund (ABIF) and the promotion of good manufacturing practices (GMP). The ABADE program has also made significant progress in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Afghanistan. The program has supported the development of women's business federation and has promoted the participation of women in business and entrepreneurship. The program has also made significant contributions to the development of Afghanistan's workforce development program, including the establishment of the Afghanistan Workforce Development Program (AWDP).