Despite three years of improved security following the end of the Taliban's insurgency, Afghanistan's economy remains stagnant and its population is in the grips of a worsening humanitarian crisis. A third of Afghanistan's roughly 40 million people live on bread and tea, according to the United Nations, there is massive unemployment, and the World Bank warns of zero growth over the next three years. But there have been some positive changes since the Taliban takeover in 2021 -- even if their government remains unrecognised by any other country.
The currency has been resilient, corruption is no longer ubiquitous, and tax collection has improved. Authorities have also built "economic, commercial, transit and investment" ties in the region, according to Ahmad Zahid, deputy commerce and industry minister. Afghanistan has great mineral and agricultural potential, which the Taliban government is attempting to exploit, but they are impeded by poor infrastructure and a lack of domestic and foreign expertise and capital.
Though Afghans welcome the improved security in their lives, many are just trying to make ends meet. AFP spoke to four people from different parts of the country ahead of the anniversary of the fall of Kabul this week: The optimistic businessman For 54-year-old Azizullah Rehmati, business is booming -- his saffron company in the western province of Herat is set to double production this year. Until 2021, his "Red Gold Saffron Company" hired armed guards to escort the .