Immediate opportunities for local companies and individual to do projects/ earn a living in Afghanistan

Many people in Afghanistan look for jobs or sit around idle. Successful people are those that make things happen.

In the last two weeks industry expert and business advisor, Alex Steinberg, has had individual meetings with dozens of local Afghan people working in key sectors including healthcare, education, real estate/ construction/ infrastructure, telecommunications, agriculture, mining, and transportation.

The conclusion: There are tremendous business opportunities to make good money while building the country.

This article provides practical examples that companies and individuals can immediately implement. It also explains how to do these projects with little or no own capital!

Foreign aid has stifled/ harmed the attitude & abilities of the Afghan people

One key observation talking with many people in Afghanistan is a lack of proactiveness and willing to make a positive change. Two decades of foreign aid, NGOs and other financial support has negatively affected of the Afghan people. Many people “just look for a job” or hope that “somehow” their situation changes or hope that they get a visa to a foreign country where they hope to live in a utopia world where “some government” just takes care of them.

You do not need own money to do business and kick start projects

Another common excuse is that without money they cannot do business. This wrong perception has been circulating throughout the world justifying inactivity, dependency on other people, or criminal activity. Many facts show, however, that you do not need a starting capital to become successful. A majority of self-made millionaire around the world started from utter poverty.

Companies and individuals need to adopt new business models aligned with the new reality

Many companies in Afghanistan are struggling because they still try to operate in a way of former years when foreign add was (carelessly) pumping money into the country. That time the government empowered with cash and could sustain many public projects and programs.

The situation has changed: Free handouts from foreign and NGOs are disappearing. And this is good, because it has been never normal, nor sustainable to maintain country predominately by foreign aid. Finally, reality kicks in and the Afghan people can build their country based on solid, reasonable principles.

Local companies must understand and accept that they cannot rely on public projects to maintain their businesses. Companies must develop their own projects. Individuals need to realize that they have to adopt new ways of earning money and operating their lives.

Leverage the advantage of the Afghan family,

Afghan families are traditionally large with many people that can actively contribute to a business. Thus, Afghan families have all the necessary manpower to do the work. Further, they can trust and rely on each other. They can resolve disagreements internally. This situation can give Afghan families a distinct advantage to start and operate a business fast – and scale.

Compare this to Western countries with small families. People must enter into partnership agreements and hire strangers (which may or not have the same values, trustworthiness, and dedication!)

Leverage the advantage of large number of relatives and (their) friends

An Afghan business can sell their services through many existing ties of direct/ indirect friends and families. The number may reach hundreds of people within a trust relationship. These people are all potential promoters, sales people, sales facilitators, business developers, workers and customers!

Further, by pooling money resources together across family, relatives and friends, many Afghan families have the financial means to come up with the necessary starting capital.

The problem is not a lack of money, but of recognizing business opportunities and adopting a business model of resource pooling and sharing!

Leverage traditional Afghan strengths

Years of foreign aid has misled the Afghan people to depend on others. Once great traders and businesspeople, the Afghan people need to find back to their roots of skillfulness, dignity, endurance, strengths.

Take advantage of the low competition

Afghanistan is one of the most attractive markets to start and do business: The competition is very low. Any person who is proactive, offers products and solutions to the current population needs, can and will be highly successful!

It is much easier to build a great business in Afghanistan than in established economies like Dubai, where the competition is fierce.

Take advantage of the goods skill at low costs

There are still many young highly educated people with excellent skills in Afghanistan. Those who just want a “job” can be easily recruited at very affordable cost.

Smart, responsible entrepreneurs may also consider ways of how to leverage many females (idle at home) by offering them opportunities to contribute their skills remotely from their homes.

Leverage and put to work the idle possessions of local private people

There are many families with considerable savings in gold, cash, and other possessions. These can initially fund business start-ups and projects. Business minded people can start and lead the operations, whereas other people can contribute money, real estate, resources, and contacts.

Stop hoping for foreign governments, organizations, or other parties to build your country. Do it yourself!

Local Afghans need to take responsibility for their own country. Afghans need to build Afghanistan!

Too many Afghans expect that things are done for them. This is not realistic and not sustainable.

Plan doing business using local available resources, rather than begging NGOs for funding!

Doing things themselves, will empower Afghans to control their own fate and it will generate able business leaders and a skilled labor force.

Develop truly Afghan-focused business models

For decades foreigners have brought their ideas to Afghanistan. How well has that worked?

Most foreign “investments” have produced little results. Arguably, only a small percentage has directly benefited the Afghan people.

The Afghan people need to find back to their traditional values, character, and strengths.

To build their country Afghan people need to develop and do business in a way that leverages their character, strengths, and society values. These business models should take advantage of pooling people & resources, existing network of family & relationships, low competition, low labor costs, available private funding, and other factors.

A great future awaits people who step up and develop this country!

Given the advantages of current situation, initiative-taking Afghan people can build large businesses.

There are few places in the world where the conditions are more favorable.

It is possible to develop 100 million-dollar businesses within seven years!

And, if done right, it will positively impact millions of Afghans in the process...

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Legal Disclaimer

This article reflects the opinion of Alex Steinberg only. It does not claim to represent the viewpoints of any present/ former client, employer, or partner. The author acknowledges that there are often different viewpoints on a topic, which are equally valid. Constructive discussion rather than criticism can lead to better ideas and positive outcome & value to business and society.

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About the author:

Alex Steinberg has worked on projects with government organizations and multi-national in Saudi Arabia, Europe, China, India, Asia, USA, Africa, and other regions. Alex has designed & implemented strategies, programs & solutions and directed implementations. He has educated and trained over 300,000 professionals on five continents, turning his firsthand practical project experience into learning lessons and capacity building. Alex is currently in Kabul, Afghanistan, to identify opportunities to help build the country and positively impact millions of Afghan people.

You may reach Alex directly at [email protected] to obtain more information or contract his services.

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