Deadline: 25-May-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative in Afghanistan focuses on strengthening MSME competitiveness and export readiness by building trainer capacity in value chain development and finance-linked training. The programme targets priority sectors including dry fruits, nuts, dairy, edible oils, and raisins/grapes.
It aims to develop a scalable Training-of-Trainers (ToT) system over five months, supporting quality improvement, food safety, and export standards while linking MSME upgrading needs with financing pathways.
Overview of the Programme
This UNDP assignment focuses on improving the capacity of trainers to support MSMEs in Afghanistan through:
- Value chain development and optimization
- MSME competitiveness improvement
- Export readiness and compliance
- Quality improvement in production systems
- Finance-linked business development training
The programme is aligned with UNDP’s broader economic recovery and private sector development efforts.
Key Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Build a trained cadre of value chain development trainers
- Strengthen MSME productivity and market competitiveness
- Improve export readiness across priority agricultural sectors
- Enhance food safety, hygiene, and packaging standards
- Link MSME upgrading needs to financing opportunities
- Develop scalable and standardized training systems
Priority Sectors
The programme focuses on four key value chains:
- Dry fruits and nuts
- Edible oils
- Dairy products
- Raisins and grapes
These sectors are selected due to their export potential and economic importance in Afghanistan.
Training Components
Value Chain Quality Improvement
- Handling and processing techniques
- Storage and logistics improvements
- Food safety and hygiene standards
- Packaging and labelling for export markets
MSME Capacity Building
- Improving operational efficiency
- Enhancing product quality
- Meeting international market requirements
Export Readiness
- Understanding export standards
- Compliance with market regulations
- Improving competitiveness in international trade
Finance Linkages (A2F Mechanism)
- Identifying MSME investment gaps
- Converting gaps into finance-ready proposals
- Linking businesses to appropriate financing pathways
- Ensuring a non-banking advisory approach (no credit appraisal)
Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Programme
The assignment includes developing a structured ToT system to ensure scalability:
Key Features
- 5-month implementation period
- Inception planning and curriculum design
- Regional training delivery across four regions
- Coordination from Kabul
- Post-training support and mentoring
- Final reporting with UNDP partners
Replication System
- Standardized training materials
- Training manuals and toolkits
- Cascade training approach via ABADEI-linked structures
- Consistent delivery across regions
Gender and Inclusion Focus
The programme emphasizes:
- Participation of women where culturally appropriate
- Inclusive training access
- Context-sensitive implementation
- Equal opportunity in capacity building
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong expertise in value chain development
- Experience in MSME competitiveness programmes
- Knowledge of export readiness and agribusiness systems
- Proven track record of similar assignments
- Required financial turnover as per UNDP criteria
Programme Scope
The assignment includes:
- Full delivery of ToT programme
- Curriculum adaptation and development
- Regional training implementation
- Coordination with UNDP A2F and ABADEI partners
- Development of financing linkage modules
- Final evaluation and reporting
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- A trained pool of qualified trainers in Afghanistan
- Improved MSME production and quality standards
- Stronger export competitiveness in priority sectors
- Better access to finance for MSMEs
- Sustainable training systems for long-term impact
Why This Programme Matters
Afghanistan’s MSMEs face challenges such as:
- Limited access to export markets
- Weak quality and safety standards
- Insufficient technical training capacity
- Financing constraints
This initiative addresses these issues by:
- Strengthening institutional training capacity
- Improving product quality and compliance
- Supporting export-driven growth
- Linking businesses to financial ecosystems
Conclusion
The UNDP Afghanistan MSME Competitiveness and Export Readiness programme builds trainer capacity to improve value chains, strengthen MSME performance, and enhance export potential in key agricultural sectors. Through structured training, financing linkages, and scalable systems, it supports long-term economic development and private sector growth in Afghanistan.
For more information, visit UNDP.