Flag of Afghanistan

Democracy and Governance

Speeches Shim

A young photojournalist is looking for the perfect shot, on assignment to capture content for a local company in Kabul.
A young photojournalist is looking for the perfect shot, on assignment to capture content for a local company in Kabul.
USAID/Afghanistan

Our Work

Since 2002, USAID has supported participatory, democratic processes that empower Afghan citizens; promote accountability and transparent governance; encourage national unity; and serve the needs of the Afghan people. USAID enhances the ability of key legislative, judicial, and executive branch institutions to serve Afghan citizens, and supports the growth of media and civil society organizations. Gender equality and women’s civic and political leadership is essential to the success of these efforts.

Major Highlights

  • USAID trained more than 11,000 media professionals and journalists; including more than 3,000 women since 2010
  • Since 2017, USAID trained nearly 1,765 judges and court administrators on management, leadership, and court administration.

Recent Highlights

  • Since June 2016, USAID helped more than 156,000 victims of conflict obtain food, blankets, and essential household items.
  • In November 2016, with support from USAID, the first International Conference for Persons with Disabilities brought together 430 representatives from all 34 provinces to advance government policies to improve the lives of more than 1.2 million people living with disabilities throughout Afghanistan.
  • USAID partner municipalities’ revenue generation increased by 31 percent. Integration of Provincial Development Plans in the National Budget increased by 11 percent.
  • In July 2017, USAID launched the Rasana (media) program, which trains and supports Afghan female journalists; equips them with skills to protect themselves and their data; and supports the expansion of media reach to remote areas.

Governance

USAID assists the Afghan government to better serve Afghan citizens by supporting efforts to boost the transparency and accountability of its institutions and management processes; make government processes more efficient; improve public outreach; enhance financial management; and strengthen the linkages between central and subnational levels of government.

Rule of Law

USAID supports the Afghan government to strengthen the quality of its justice system to ensure that fair and impartial justice is accessible to all citizens.

Anti-Corruption

Complementing efforts by other U.S. government partners aimed at enforcement and prosecution, USAID assistance focuses on preventative measures that reduce opportunities for corruption while improving the quality of services offered to Afghan citizens.

Supporting Electoral Processes

Working in close coordination with other donors and the United Nations, USAID continues to invest in programming that supports the Afghan government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in promoting credible and transparent elections.

Civil Society and Media

A vibrant and independent media and vocal civil society organizations are critical to a healthy democracy. USAID helped support the establishment of a thriving civil society and independent media environment where courageous reporters and activists inform their fellow citizens of current events and hold public officials accountable.

Current Projects:

Completed Projects:

News

U.S. Government Provides 100 Ventilators to the Government of Afghanistan to Support COVID-19 Response
The United States and Afghanistan Sign Renewable Energy Deal
The United States Provides More than $36.7 million for COVID-19 Response, and $90 million in expedited World Bank contributions to continue its Enduring Partnership with Afghanistan
USAID, Roots of Peace Conclude Ten-Year Afghan Horticulture Program, Announce Three-Year Follow-On Project to Support Agribusiness
USAID Supports Afghanistan’s Trade by Enabling Compliance with COVID-19 Protocols at Border Posts
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