Who we are

Afghanistan Enterprise Council (AEC) is world's first independent, nonpolitical and non-governmental think-tank based in Europe dedicated to studying, researching and understanding Afghanistan’s trade, investment, business and economic affairs.

AEC believes in improving the lives of ordinary Afghans through education, free markets, trade, innovation and business.

Our experience shows that the overwhelming involvement of foreign aid agencies, development consultants and uninformed politicians in Afghanistan post 9/11, has resulted in policies and initiatives for private sector, which have catastrophically failed. It has undermined innovation, entrepreneurship and organic economic growth of the nation, it is time to put an end to such uninformed menace.

The failure of the politicians to create jobs, thriving businesses and opportunities for a large population of young Afghans, has turned the nation into the world’s most dangerous place for women, billions of aid money wasted and youth turning to a life of crime, drug abuse and flight from the country.

Afghanistan’s addiction to aid from donors is undermining the most important traits of the local people, which is hard work, creativity and trade. It is these qualities that will build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan, not donations.

Founded by British Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AEC envisions a dignified Afghanistan dependent on the talent, creativity and skills of its people. We aim to change not only the debate on how Afghanistan can stand on its own feet as a dignified and self-reliant nation of the world but also change the attitude of every stakeholder in the country and the destiny of the nation.

At AEC, we bring together from across the world, the most visionary, disruptive and entrepreneurial private sector leaders, leading academicians, prominent civil society activists and talented public sector policy makers to lead the nation into a bright future of peace, unity and opportunities for all.

What we offer

RESEARCH
We study the most pressing challenges that impact Afghanistan’s trade, investment and business nationally, regionally and globally, and its impact on the lives of Afghan citizens and ultimately the nation’s economy.

DEBATE
We facilitate debate and discussion around important issues and topics by bringing together experts, practitioners and leaders from the private, public and non-governmental sector to formulate a strategy for a better Afghanistan.

ACT
We make important recommendations to both internal and external stakeholders in Afghanistan, lobby for a pro-business government and keep the public informed by communicating our vision through media, academia and civil society.

PUBLICATIONS

Trade: The lifeline for Afghan women

LONDON: Women in Afghanistan are facing the most catastrophic social and economic challenges of modern times. Their role in society has been severely compromised...

Excluding women from education and employment is a recipe for economic catastrophe in Afghanistan

The Taliban's restrictions on women's education and employment aren't just social injustices; they're a recipe for economic disaster. In this article, we will outline...