Afghanistan: Investing

FDI in Figures

According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2023, FDI flows into Afghanistan have declined sharply over the past years to USD 21 million in 2021, down from USD 119 million in 2018, while no reliable data is available from 2022 onwards. The decline was partly due to the global economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and then by the takeover of the Taliban regime in 2021. In that same year, the total stock of FDI was estimated at USD 1.6 billion. Among the main projects is the railway infrastructure program which aims to connect Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. In 2015, the Chinese Government expressed interest in supporting the development of railway infrastructure and the construction of a hydroelectric plant. The railway connection from China to Hairatan, Northern Afghanistan, was established in September 2016, allowing goods to be carried from Eastern China to Afghanistan in two weeks compared with six months by road. The railway was launched in September 2019, providing a boost to Afghan exports and investment from China, already the largest investor in Afghanistan since 2014. In December 2020, Iran launched a new railway connection to Afghanistan, supporting freight transport between both countries. In February 2021, Afghanistan agreed on a roadmap with Uzbekistan and Pakistan for a railway project that would connect all three countries. Furthermore, in 2023 the Taliban regime cut its first major energy extractions agreement since taking control of the country, agreeing to a 25-year pact with China's Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Company to drill for oil in the country's Amu Darya basin.

Since the takeover of the Taliban in August 2021, the country’s already weak business climate has worsened drastically. Before the withdrawal of foreign troops, Afghan law guaranteed foreign companies the same investment opportunities as domestic enterprises, and official support for open markets and private sector participation was restated in the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS). Foreign investors were not required to have an Afghan partner, but due to the restriction on land ownership, they almost always chose to work with one. Private investors had the right to transfer their capital and profits out of Afghanistan, including for debt service for offshore loans. Nevertheless, the situation is currently unstable, investment in the country is almost impossible, and future foreign financial assistance is placed under a cloud of uncertainty. Among the structural problems Afghanistan is facing there are political violence, weak regulations regarding property protection, a substantial lack of skilled workforce, under-developed financial markets and insufficient infrastructure that limit the country's potential for attracting foreign investors. Furthermore, Afghanistan no longer has access to international development assistance. Due to the difficult political and economic situation, Afghanistan is not ranked in the main studies concerning the business environment; but ranks among the most corrupted countries according to the 2023 Corruption Perception Index (162th out of 180).

What to consider if you invest in Afghanistan

Strong Points

The low level of competition creates opportunities for foreign investors and exporters to bring in new products with potentially good profit margins. With its strategic geographical position connecting Central Asia to South Asia and leading to Europe, Afghanistan could serve as a gateway for investors seeking to enter the regional market. Local companies are adaptable, entrepreneurial and have shown resilience to economic downturn and political uncertainties. The country has a growing middle class and 70% of the of the population is below 25 years of age. There is also a significant potential for exploration in minerals, and in oil and gas. Foreign companies benefit from a 0% duty on import of machineries and 1% duty on import of raw materials.

Weak Points

The security context is precarious as terrorist attacks and kidnapping of foreigners remain prevalent. While the new government is committed to improve business climate and investors' confidence, the country scores very low on the Doing Business Index of the World Bank owing to cumbersome bureaucracy and weak infrastructure. The legal system is not developed enough to handle complex commercial issues and local authorities do not have enough experience in project management and in dealing with Western companies. Corruption continues to be a major problem as the country is ranked very poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

The Afghan government seeks to bolster foreign investment as the country is on its recovery in the aftermath of Taliban rule. Pursuant to the Private Investment Law, which was passed in 2003 and amended in 2006, the Afghan state is committed to maximising private investment and to create a legal regime and administrative structure that encourage and protect foreign private investment in the Afghan economy. There are no sector restrictions regarding foreign investment; however, any investment above USD 3 million requires the approval of the High Commission on Investment (HCI). The same law also guarantees national treatment for foreign investors and allows them to lease land up to 50 years (foreign land ownership is not allowed). Furthermore, companies can be wholly foreign-owned.

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

The freedom to establish private companies is fully ensured pursuant to the Private Investment Law. Once a foreign investor has been granted a license for an investment project, the government extends national treatment to that investment. The following sectors are not open to foreign investment: Nuclear energy development, gambling, narcotics and intoxicants production. Following consideration of national priorities, the High Commission on Investment reserves the right to restrict further sectors.

Acquisition of Holdings

Foreign investors can wholly own local companies in Afghanistan. As there is no stock exchange in the country, foreign investors cannot own a company whose shares are publicly traded.

Obligation to Declare

Investments above USD 3 million need to be approved by the High Commission on Investment. The Commission is composed of Minister of Commerce and Industry (Chair); Minister of Finance; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Labour and Economy; Minister of Mines; Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock; the Governor of the Central Bank; and the President of Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA).

Requests For Specific Authorisations

Investment in the following areas requires specific authorisation from the High Commission on Investment: Production and sales of arms and explosives, financial activities other than banking, insurance, natural resources (forestry included) and in infrastructure (including telecommunications, construction and pipelines installations). The Commission negotiates with ministers and related administrations regarding the appropriate limits for investment and may impose special conditions on investment.

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Afghan Investment Support Agency (AISA)

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

AfghanTenders, Tenders in Afghanistan
Kabul Tenders, Tenders in the city of Kabul
CIS Bids, Tenders from Afghanistan

Other Useful Resources

Investors Guide to Afghanistan (Ministry of Commerce and Industry - Private Sector Development General Directorate)

Any Comment About This Content? Report It to Us.