The World Bank has allocated $84 million in aid to Afghanistan to address the country’s pressing humanitarian needs, as reported by TOLOnews. This financial assistance aims to mitigate the economic challenges Afghanistan is facing, support projects that enhance livelihoods, empower Afghan women, tackle climate change issues, and assist migrants returning to Afghanistan.

This initiative is part of a larger project initiated in 2022, which was funded by a $265 million grant from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The project’s objectives include providing support for livelihoods in both rural and urban settings, offering social grants to women and vulnerable populations, and strengthening community institutions to ensure inclusive service delivery.

The Afghan Ministry of Economy has expressed its appreciation for the World Bank’s support, highlighting the potential for economic growth and job creation through the modification and implementation of various projects.

Abdul Rahman Habib, a spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Economy, emphasized the benefits of these projects, including job creation, enhanced service delivery in both urban and rural areas, and solutions for the challenges faced by returning migrants.

However, citizens in Kabul have voiced concerns over the adequacy and transparency of the aid distribution, citing severe hardships. Omar Ali, a resident of Kabul, shared his struggles with TOLOnews, underscoring the dire need for more substantial and openly distributed aid.

Following the Taliban’s return to power, many international organizations, including the World Bank, ceased their operations in Afghanistan. The resumption of these organizations’ activities is seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing the Afghan economy.