Quarterly Performance Report FY 2014, Quarter 3

ABADE primarily works with the private sector to strengthen the productivity of enterprises focused on sustained growth and job creation. ABADE's programmatic objectives are to increase domestic and foreign investment, stimulate employment, and improve sales of Afghan products. Furthermore, ABADE is designed to complement other USAID programs that are focused on improving the business-enabling environment, increasing the workforce, and facilitating access to finance. ABADE's alliances with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will accelerate productivity and job creation by mitigating risk, and leveraging contributions from private companies via alliances. Its activities include Component 1: SME and Public-Private Innovation Alliances, which involves making awards to existing, productive SMEs, consortia, or joint ventures through a competitive process. This component aims to support the growth of SMEs by providing them with access to finance, technology, and markets. Component 2: Technical Assistance and Business Advisory Services is another key activity of ABADE. This component provides technical assistance and business advisory services to SMEs, including training and capacity building, market research, and business planning. The goal of this component is to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and improve their ability to access domestic and foreign markets. Component 3: Business Enabling Environment is also a critical component of ABADE. This component aims to improve the business-enabling environment in Afghanistan by addressing regulatory barriers, improving access to finance, and enhancing the overall business climate. ABADE works closely with the Government of Afghanistan and other stakeholders to identify and address key constraints to business growth and development. During the third quarter of FY 2014, ABADE made significant progress in achieving its programmatic objectives. Key activities accomplished during the quarter include the establishment of new SME alliances, provision of technical assistance and business advisory services to SMEs, and implementation of business-enabling environment activities. ABADE also collaborated with other USAID projects and donor agencies to leverage resources and expertise. One of the success stories of ABADE is the partnership with a fast-food chain, which resulted in the growth of the company's sales and employment. ABADE also supported the development of a women's entrepreneurship program, which aimed to empower women through entrepreneurship and improve their economic status. Overall, ABADE has made significant progress in achieving its programmatic objectives and has contributed to the growth and development of the private sector in Afghanistan. The project's activities have had a positive impact on the business-enabling environment, SMEs, and the overall economy of Afghanistan. ABADE's progress towards indicators during the third quarter of FY 2014 is presented in Annex 1. The project's organizational chart is also presented in Annex 2.