Deadline Date: December 21, 2025
The World Bank–funded Emergency Food Security Project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is opening a new opportunity for agribusinesses, producer groups and cooperatives across Afghanistan to strengthen their role in national food systems.
Through its Matching Grants initiative, the project aims to help local enterprises expand value chains, improve product quality, and increase market access, ultimately contributing to better livelihoods for farming communities. This support is designed to stimulate growth among businesses that are ready to scale their operations and deepen their engagement with farmers.
Window 1 of the grant programme focuses specifically on emerging and small-scale agribusinesses seeking to expand, diversify or strengthen farmer linkages. Eligible applicants may receive funding ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 30,000, depending on the scope of their proposed investments. The programme maintains a co-financing requirement that encourages shared commitment: women-led enterprises must contribute at least 20 percent of the project cost, while male-led enterprises must contribute a minimum of 50 percent. Co-financing may be provided in cash or as in-kind contributions, allowing flexibility for businesses of different sizes and capacities.
A wide range of investments can be supported under this window. These include processing equipment, small-scale machinery, storage and packaging facilities, and tools for grading or drying agricultural products. The grant can also support improvements that enhance food quality and safety, such as hygiene upgrades or certifications, as well as climate-smart technologies like solar drying systems or improved irrigation. Enterprises that work closely with farmers may use the support to supply inputs or equipment that directly strengthen those linkages. Small infrastructure essential to value chain operations may also be financed, provided it does not involve land acquisition or produce negative environmental or social impacts.
The programme excludes certain costs to ensure responsible and sustainable implementation. Activities requiring land acquisition, as well as vehicle purchases not directly critical to the value chain, are not funded. Proposals that may cause significant environmental or social harm are also ineligible. Through these clear guidelines and targeted support, the Matching Grants initiative offers a meaningful opportunity for Afghanistan’s agribusiness sector to advance local production, improve resilience, and contribute to long-term food security.
For more information, visit ACBAR.
