Afghanistan’s Path to Economic Independence: Key Projects for Self-Sufficiency

(Part I)

By: H.N

Efforts are currently underway in the country under the governance of the Islamic Emirate to achieve economic independence for Afghanistan. Since the commencement of the solar year 1403 (2024), significant progress has been made in implementing numerous economic projects aimed at achieving this goal.
One prominent initiative is the launch of the TAPI project (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India). This joint endeavor, involving Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, aims to transport Turkmen gas through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India. This project is deemed highly valuable for Afghanistan’s economic landscape, as its implementation is expected to generate approximately $450 million annually from gas transit fees and ensure a stable supply of essential gas resources. Furthermore, it will pave the way for Afghanistan to advance towards economic self-sufficiency while creating job opportunities for around 12,000 citizens.
Moreover, the gas extraction project at the Toti Field signifies a noteworthy initiative by the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. In partnership with a company from Uzbekistan, this project focuses on the development of gas resources in Jawzjan province. Signed in October 2024, this ten-year contract aims to revitalize Afghanistan’s energy sector with an estimated investment of $1 billion. It is anticipated that this phase will substantially meet domestic energy demands and provide significant employment opportunities.
The Herat-Ghor road project is another strategic initiative of the Islamic Emirate, with construction officially commencing in April 2024. Spanning approximately 480 kilometers, this project connects Herat and Ghor provinces while also linking several western provinces, thereby playing a crucial role in transportation and economic development. Construction activities are currently in full swing in the Pashtun Zarghun district of Herat province, which is expected to foster stability, economic growth, and the establishment of essential facilities for local communities.
In addition, the continuation of the Pashdan Dam project is another notable initiative by the Islamic Emirate, with active operations taking place in Herat province. This substantial infrastructure project plays a vital role in water management, agriculture, irrigation, and electricity generation. Located 25 kilometers from Herat, the dam has a capacity to store approximately 54 million cubic meters of water, irrigate 13,000 hectares of land, and generate two megawatts of electricity. This project is critical for advancing the agriculture and energy sectors. To date, 75% of the project has been completed, and efforts are being directed towards finalizing and operationalizing it.
The Islamic Emirate has also initiated the construction of the second lane of the Kabul-Ghazni road, with official activities beginning in September 2024. This vital project is essential for connecting central provinces and promoting economic growth. The road, which stretches 111 kilometers, will include nine major bridges and 594 culverts. The implementation of this project is expected to enhance transportation facilities, connect Kabul with southern provinces, and significantly improve the economic and social conditions of citizens. It is expected that this project will be completed and operationalized within three years.
The Paltuni Dam, located in Paktika province, represents another significant initiative by the Islamic Emirate, regarded as a key and effective project for agricultural development, water management, and energy production in the region. The project was originally designed during the era of Mohammad Zahir Shah, and while some progress was made in the previous regime, it faced obstacles that hindered its advancement. With the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, this project has regained prominence as a governmental focus. The dam is designed to store approximately 25 million cubic meters of water, irrigate nearly 2,500 hectares of agricultural land, and generate around 935 kilowatts of electricity. This initiative is highly beneficial for the growth of both the agriculture and energy sectors, as well as for fostering employment and economic opportunities. The Islamic Emirate has resumed work on this critical project, with expectations for its completion and operationalization to adhere to high engineering and technical standards.