Already a subscriber?Yunis Safi, a businessman in Kabul, knows very well the importance of showing off your phone if you want something done.
Afghanistan’s finances were on shaky ground even before the Taliban seized power in 2021. The budget relied heavily on foreign aid and corruption was rife. The takeover sent Afghanistan’s economy into a tailspin, billions in international funds were frozen, and tens of thousands of highly skilled AfghansBut, even amid difficult conditions, some businesses are making money out of Taliban rule.
The Communications Ministry says 2 million new SIM cards have been issued in the past two years and that subscriber numbers are increasing. Ministry representative Enayatullah Alokozai says the government is ploughing $US100 million into the telecom sector and has fully restored hundreds of towers. Abdul Rahman Zirak, a senior official at the money exchange market, estimates that $US10 million changes hands daily. The diaspora sends mostly US dollars to families, who exchange it for the afghani.
“If the sanctions are removed and the assets are unfrozen, then maybe our business will decrease. But I don’t see that happening. Many don’t have bank accounts. Unemployment is high, so people send money to Afghanistan. Our business will be needed for years to come.”Irfanullah Arif, who runs Haqqani Books, a specialist retailer of Islamic texts, is also upbeat about his fortunes. The majority of his customers are teachers and students at religious schools, or madrassas.