Afghanistan’s Willing Entrepreneurs Supporting Private-Sector Growth in the Afghan Economy

Jake Cusack and Erik Malmstrom | Center for a New American Security | 2010-11-15

This report argues that, despite ongoing security challenges, the Afghan private sector has enormous opportunity for development and growth and will be a significant determinant to long-term stability in the country. Based on over 130 on-the-ground interviews with business owners and key stakeholders in Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad, Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat, the report identifies five key characteristics of the Afghan business environment that have implications for policymakers.