Priority Programs for Sustainable Development in Afghanistan
The Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) and the international community have reaffirmed their commitment to providing 50% of development assistance through on-budget mechanisms. This commitment was made during the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan in October 2016, where Afghanistan’s National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF) with 10 National Priority Programs was presented.
National Peace and Development Framework
The ANPDF outlines the country’s priorities for the next decade, focusing on self-reliance, peace, and economic development. The framework is built around 10 National Priority Programs, which aim to address key challenges facing Afghanistan, including:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Infrastructure development
- Economic growth
- Governance
- Human rights
- Women’s empowerment
- Youth engagement
- Private sector development
Mutual Accountability Framework
To ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of development projects, the GIRoA and international community have agreed to adopt a new Mutual Accountability Framework (MAF). The Geneva MAF, adopted in 2018, builds upon previous frameworks such as the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (TMAF) and the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework (SMAF).
The MAF sets out specific commitments for development aid, including:
- Aligning at least 80% of off-budget ODA development activities with the policy framework of ANPDF and operationalized National Priority Programs
- Emphasizing transparency and accountability in development projects
“We are committed to ensuring that our development assistance is effective, transparent, and accountable,” said a senior government official. “The MAF will help us achieve this goal by providing a clear roadmap for development partners and international agencies.”
Public Financial Management Systems
The GIRoA and international community have also agreed to improve public financial management systems, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Priority programs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development are critical to Afghanistan’s future," said an international donor official. “We are committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that our assistance is effective in achieving the country’s development goals.”
Progress and Future Plans
The GIRoA and international community have made significant progress in implementing the MAF, with many development partners already aligning their activities with the ANPDF and National Priority Programs.
“We are encouraged by the progress we have made so far,” said another government official. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the international community to achieve sustainable development in Afghanistan.”