Afghan think tank offers alternative to extremist narratives through entrepreneurship

The active role of Afghan youth in economic development shows extremist beliefs have no place in society and conflict with people’s aspirations.

Educated youth improve livelihoods through economic initiatives and stand in clear opposition to violence and extremist behavior.

A youth think tank in western Afghanistan is contributing to this progress by presenting practical, successful economic proposals that support businesses and create opportunities.

Tawsaeah Paydar (sustainable development) Business Consulting Services in Herat offers young people a platform to present innovative ideas that advance Afghanistan’s economic development.

The center, founded two years ago, functions as a think tank for educated Afghan youth and actively supports the implementation of their proposals.

During the past year, more than 600 young people from across Afghanistan presented proposals in a competitive program for private sector partners.

"Companies and organizations that lack economic plans or face failure -- we help them, in cooperation with innovative youth, to get back on their feet," Nazir Ahmad Sadid, director of the center, told Salaam Times.

"Our center has removed the gap between investors and idea developers. Young people even from deprived areas such as Farah and Ghor provinces present very strong economic proposals."

Thirty factories and economic companies have joined the initiative and receive economic plans directly from these young participants.

Education against extremism

Terrorist groups exploit uneducated youth, while educated youth resist the influence of groups such as al-Qaeda the "Islamic States of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS).

Analysts believe expanding education among youth is the strongest defense against terrorist organizations and extremist propaganda.

"Hope for life is greater among educated youth, and they are never drawn toward extremist groups. Using their knowledge and skills, they enjoy better economic conditions and play a constructive role in society," said Samiullah Wafa, a social analyst in Herat.

"The only fear of terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS is the spread of literacy in societies," he added.

Over the past two decades, millions of young people in Afghanistan have become educated, which has made it difficult for these groups to recruit them.

Innovation for progress

Specialized education and innovation have enabled young professionals to collaborate and create promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors across Afghanistan.

Mohammad Naser Amini, a business administration graduate in Herat, shared a renewable energy proposal with a factory in the Herat industrial park.

He believes youth knowledge and innovation will play a decisive role in Afghanistan’s future economic growth.

Renewable energy projects show strong potential and could help reduce energy shortages in Herat province.

"I consulted many young people in different provinces for the success of my project. Their ideas helped me turn my initial concept into a practical plan."

Imran Rahmani, a computer science graduate, presented a proposal to modernize organizational management systems and replace outdated methods.

"These opportunities will lead to economic transformation in the country," Rahmani added.