Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — Afghanistan’s Taliban administration has announced a landmark $10 billion energy deal that aims to transform the war-ravaged country into a power hub—ending decades of electricity shortages and foreign dependency.
The agreement, signed between the Taliban’s Ministry of Water and Energy and private firm Azizi Energy, pledges to generate, transmit, and distribute 10,000 megawatts of electricity over the next 7 to 10 years. Officials say the project will not only meet domestic needs but also allow Afghanistan to export surplus power abroad for the first time.
In a televised ceremony in Kabul, senior Taliban leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Acting Energy Minister Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, hailed the deal as a “turning point” for Afghanistan’s economic future.
Azizi Energy, owned by prominent Afghan businessman Mirwais Azizi, plans to harness the country’s untapped natural resources—including solar, wind, hydro, gas, and coal—to build a diverse and self-sufficient energy sector. The company is expected to finalize the design phase within six months, with the initial rollout of 2,000–3,000 MW beginning shortly after.
“This is not just an energy project—it’s a national revival,” said Azizi. “We’re building the foundation for industries, jobs, and regional trade.”
The plan earmarks 4,000 MW for homes and cities, and 6,000 MW for factories, positioning energy as the backbone of a new industrial economy. Officials estimate that the initiative could create 100,000 to 150,000 jobs, offering a desperately needed boost in a country where more than half the population lives below the poverty line.
Currently, over 70% of Afghanistan’s electricity is imported from neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Frequent outages, mounting unpaid bills, and threats of power cuts have become the norm. Less than 40% of the population has access to electricity, making this project both urgent and symbolic for a government under pressure to show tangible progress.
The deal is the largest economic announcement by the Taliban since they returned to power in August 2021. It signals a rare instance of long-term planning from an administration still struggling with sanctions, isolation, and a cash-strapped economy.
However, skepticism abounds.
Since 2021, the Taliban have floated several large-scale economic projects—from mining ventures to regional rail links—but few have materialized. Critics warn that poor infrastructure, international sanctions, and the regime’s political status could derail this latest venture as well.
“This is a massive undertaking in a country facing enormous challenges,” said one Kabul-based analyst. “Even if funding and security align, executing a project of this scale will be extremely difficult under current conditions.”
Still, for a nation starved of investment, the promise of reliable electricity, industrial growth, and regional exports offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak economic landscape.
Whether this project will be a milestone or a mirage remains to be seen—but for now, it stands as Afghanistan’s boldest attempt to rewire its future.
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