KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the second phase of an economic recovery programme in Afghanistan, with support from South Korea, to strengthen livelihoods and rebuild community infrastructure in five provinces.
UNDP Afghanistan announced the launch on Monday, October 26, saying the second phase of the Reviving Economic Activities and Improving Vulnerable Environments (REVIVE II) programme would focus on strengthening livelihoods, rebuilding social infrastructure, revitalising economic activities and improving communities’ resilience.
The programme will be implemented in Kabul, Nangarhar, Kunar, Paktia and Ghazni provinces, according to the agency.
UNDP said the second phase builds on the achievements of the initial programme and aims to strengthen recovery efforts and improve economic conditions for vulnerable communities. The initiative is supported by the Republic of Korea’s mission to the United Nations.
The programme comes as Afghanistan continues to face significant economic challenges, including widespread poverty, limited employment opportunities and declining international assistance. Many households remain dependent on humanitarian aid, while returning migrants and displaced families are placing additional pressure on local services and already fragile livelihoods.
In its 2025 socioeconomic review, UNDP highlighted the need for sustained investment in livelihoods, infrastructure, private-sector development and economic opportunities, particularly for vulnerable communities. The agency has also stressed that restrictions on women’s education and employment undermine economic recovery, arguing that women’s participation in economic life is essential to the country’s long-term development.
UNDP has not disclosed the total budget, implementation timeline or expected number of beneficiaries for the REVIVE II programme in Afghanistan.
The programme comes amid a deepening socioeconomic crisis in Afghanistan. According to UNDP’s Afghanistan Socioeconomic Review, published in May 2026, around 28 million Afghans — approximately three-quarters of the population — were unable to meet their basic needs in 2025.
The report found that economic growth remained too weak to improve living standards, while declining international assistance, widespread poverty, drought and the return of millions of Afghans from neighbouring countries placed additional pressure on livelihoods and public services.
UNDP has stressed that creating jobs, supporting small businesses and investing in resilient infrastructure are essential to sustainable recovery. It has also warned that restrictions on women’s education and employment continue to undermine Afghanistan’s economic potential.
