Kabul, Afghanistan – Balkh University hosted an official graduation ceremony recognizing the first cohort of 27 Master of Finance and Accounting (MFA) students. The MFA program was established with financial assistance from USAID’s University Support and Workforce Development Program (USWDP), and technical expertise provided by the United States-based University of Notre Dame.

This program develops the managerial and technical acumen of the country’s youth in the critical areas of accounting and financial services. The skills that are strengthened through this program are vitally important to Afghanistan’s public and private sector enterprises. Twenty-seven students, including eight women, started their studies in September 2016.

“USAID would like to congratulate the 27 graduates of this program,” said USAID Mission Director Herbert Smith. “It is vital to the growth of the Afghan economy to equip graduates with degrees that meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce.”

The graduates of the MFA program will work in private and public institutions to provide accounting and financial analysis services. The graduates will also play a key role in developing new accounting and finance policies for Afghanistan that are in line with international standards.

Chancellor of Balkh University Professor Mukamel Alkozai said, “The graduates of the MFA program will not only exit the university with a master degree but with the technical and professional knowledge and skills to overcome the current financial and accounting challenges in Balkh and Afghanistan in general.”

With almost $17 billion spent on development programs in Afghanistan since 2002, USAID provides the largest bilateral civilian assistance program to Afghanistan. USAID partners with the Government and people of Afghanistan to ensure economic growth led by the country’s private sector, to establish a democratic and capable state governed by the rule of law, and to provide basic health and education services for all Afghans.

• Press Release - Balkh University Honors Master of Finance and Accounting Degree Graduates (Dari)
• Press Release - Balkh University Honors Master of Finance and Accounting Degree Graduates (Pashto)