Economic Empowerment & Social Protection
Empowering women, youth, and families with the skills, resources, and support they need to build stable and prosperous lives.
Creating opportunities, enterprises, and safety nets that drive inclusive prosperity.
Rupani Foundation Afghanistan advances inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and social protection by strengthening livelihoods, supporting small enterprises, and expanding access to economic opportunities for vulnerable populations. The sector focuses on job creation, income diversification, and resilience building, with a strong emphasis on women’s economic participation and social empowerment.
These interventions are delivered through the RF Incubation Center in Kabul and community based platforms, providing business development services, mentorship, market linkages, financial literacy, and Sharia compliant microfinance. This integrated approach enhances self reliance, reduces vulnerability to economic shocks, and contributes to sustainable local economic systems aligned with national and community needs
Empowering Change: The Enterprise Development Pathway
At Rupani Foundation Afghanistan, technical skills are only the starting point. To foster true economic independence for young people and women, we bridge the gap between vocational learning and sustainable enterprise. Our Enterprise Development Pathway offers a structured, end-to-end roadmap guiding participants from market-aligned training to business ownership, strengthening local economies and community resilience.
Specialized Technical Training
Every pathway begins with six months of intensive, market-aligned vocational instruction across key sectors—including IT and digital skills, gemstone cutting and jewelry design, tailoring, mobile repair, auto mechanics, and early childhood development. Graduates earn industry certification and practical readiness to engage with Afghanistan's evolving job market.
From Concept to Strategy Ideation
For aspiring entrepreneurs, we provide the tools needed to transform vocational capability into viable enterprise. Through structured workshops and dedicated coaching, participants learn to identify market demand, analyze customer needs, and develop practical business models tailored to regional economic realities.
Business Incubation
Promising ventures advance to the Business Incubation Center in Kabul. Here, founders receive hands-on instruction in financial literacy, operational management, and digital marketing, supported by professional co-working facilities, high-speed connectivity, and direct mentorship from industry leaders.
Accelerating Growth
As enterprises become operational, focus shifts to expansion. We offer advanced strategic coaching, professional networking, and direct market linkages—connecting business owners with institutional partners and investors to expand their market footprint.
Financial Access and Long-term Success
Access to seed capital remains a critical step. RF bridges this gap by connecting graduates with microfinance options, small business grants, and financial planning support. Backed by ongoing advisory services, RF-supported enterprises generate employment and contribute directly to regional economic stability.
Our Donors
Key Outcomes & Impact
8,000+ individuals trained in technical and vocational skills across Kabul and Badakhshan
470+ small businesses established by program graduates
49 handicraft and jewelry enterprises supported through the Lajward training platform
34 private early childhood development (ECD) centers established and managed by women entrepreneurs
13 digital livelihood and online enterprise initiatives launched through ICT and freelancing tracks
Stable Income Generation: Graduates achieve sustainable earnings, with featured artisans earning up to 35,000 Afs per month while employing local staff
RF Business Incubation Center, Kabul
Established in 2023, the RF Business Incubation Center in Kabul is more than a workspace. It is a hub where Afghanistan’s next generation of entrepreneurs collaborate, innovate, and build businesses that create lasting economic change.
What the Center Offers:
- Modern training rooms and professional co-working spaces
- High-speed internet and essential technology access
- One-on-one mentoring from industry experts and peers
- A vibrant community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and business leaders
- Direct links to strategic partners, investors, and market opportunities
Our Vision
From the first day of training to the day an entrepreneur hires their first employee, RF walks alongside every participant, turning skills into businesses and businesses into community-wide economic resilience.
Crafting a Future: Jamila Bahram's Journey
Kabul University graduate Jamila Bahram once faced prolonged unemployment and the financial strain it placed on her family. Her life took a transformative turn when she enrolled in Rupani Foundation Afghanistan’s six-month jewelry-making training program, supported by the UN World Food Programme, where she gained practical skills in jewelry crafting and business management.
Today, Jamila is the proud owner of her own jewelry-making brand, JMH. She earns a stable monthly income of 35,000 Afs with a net profit of 19,000 Afs, has transitioned from financial struggle to entrepreneurship, and now employs two people. Her handcrafted pieces have been showcased at multiple exhibitions as she continues to grow her brand and expand her market reach.
Beyond her own success, Jamila is driven by a larger mission. Her goal is to bring more women into her business, equipping them with jewelry-making skills that enable them to support their families and achieve their own independence.
Jamila’s story is not unique. It is what the Enterprise Development Pathway looks like in practice.
Financial Coaching & Literacy
Service equips families with the financial knowledge they need to build secure futures. Delivered predominantly through in-person sessions, this service includes:
Financial Training & Coaching
We offer one-on-one support for budgeting, saving, and managing money, with guidance tailored to each person’s goals and learning pace.
Credit Counseling
Our credit counselors provide in-depth guidance on building credit and managing debt, with the option of online follow-ups to reinforce learning.
Financial Products & Banking
We help participants access safe banking options, introducing financial products through both in-person consultations and accessible online resources.
Workforce Coaching and Career Exploration
Job Placement and Job Readiness Training
Resume building, soft skills, and interview preparation are delivered in interactive, face-to-face workshops, allowing for hands-on practice and immediate feedback.
Vocational Training & Certification
Leading campaigns for maternal health, children’s rights, and equity-based issues in the community.
Workplace ESL and ESL Bridge Instruction
We provide ESL instruction in-person, supported by digital resources for continued learning outside of sessions.
Key Services We Offer
Career Coaching
One-on-one support for goal setting, career mapping, and job placement
Vocational ESL
Workplace-specific English language training
Job Readiness Training
Resume building, interview preparation, and workplace skills.
Vocational Training
Industry-recognized certifications in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and hospitality.
Financial Support Services
Tuition, books, and job readiness expenses, along with financial literacy coaching.
Eligibility
Participants must:
- Be eligible for ORR benefits/services within the last 5 year
- Include refugees, asylees, SIV holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants, Afghan/Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, or trafficking victims
- Have conversational English proficiency
- Be authorized to work and committed to pursuing a skilled career in the U.S.
Entrepreneurship Coaching
Our entrepreneurship coaching service helps aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Delivered primarily through personalized, face-to-face sessions.
Access to Startup Capital
We support aspiring entrepreneurs with access to startup capital through financial literacy, resource navigation, and microgrant opportunities. Our services empower individuals to launch and grow small businesses, fostering economic mobility and self-sufficiency.
Small Business Technical Assistance
Our team provides technical assistance on essential aspects of small business management, such as operations, accounting practices, marketing strategies, and technology solutions.
Licensing and Certifications
Our coaches walk participants through the steps of obtaining necessary licenses and certifications, providing in-person support to simplify the process.
Business Planning
Participants receive hands-on assistance in developing business plans, with real-time feedback from experienced coaches to refine and strengthen their strategies.
Community Partners
We proudly collaborate with:
Testimonials
We’ve had the privilege of working with incredible clients worldwide. Their kind words reflect our dedication to quality, creativity, and timely delivery.
Grow With Us: Training & Capacity Building
Small Business Established With RF Support
34 Private ECD center were established
Women entrepreneurs trained and supported to establish private ECD centers across Kabul and Faizabad, expanding access to early childhood education.
49 Handicraft & Jewelry were established
Handicraft and jewelry enterprises supported through the Lajward Gems and Jewelry Training Center, connecting Afghan artisans to local and international markets.
13 Digital Livelihood and Online Enterprise Initiatives were established
Digital livelihood and online enterprise initiatives launched through ICT, freelancing, and digital marketing training programs.
9 Auto Mechanic/ Electricity business were supported
Auto mechanic and electrical repair businesses supported through technical education partnerships and vocational skills training.
14 Mobile Repair /Carpentry business were supported
Mobile repair and carpentry businesses supported through vocational training and enterprise development programs