July 2015—Until recently, Maroof* wasn’t able to grow his metalworking business because the shop, in Shibirghan in the northern Afghan province of Jawzjan, could not keep up with the competition. Its production capacity was limited and so were the tools used to make the doors, window frames, fencing and corrugated steel panels that were in demand.

Things changed after an outreach campaign in Shibirghan by USAID’s Assistance in Building Afghanistan By Developing Enterprises (ABADE) program in September 2014. Maroof and other local businessmen learned that technical and other help was available for small and medium enterprises to expand.

With USAID support, Maroof’s shop acquired a portable welder and other machinery. Business improved and Maroof hired two more workers.

Maroof says that earnings increased by about 40 percent after the equipment upgrade. “The portable welder contributed by USAID enables me to accept onsite jobs, even at remote locations. I believe I am the first shop in town to have such high-powered machines,” he adds.

ABADE, a $105-million, four-year project that started in October 2012, has formed more than 200 public-private investment partnerships so far with small and medium Afghan enterprises.

*Many Afghans use only one name. 

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