Entrepreneurship Camp 2025: Supporting Innovation of Afghanistan Youth
The Afghanistan Economic and Legal Studies Organization (AELSO), in collaboration with Isteqlal Institute of Higher Education, organized the Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 in Kabul, with the wide presence of young entrepreneurs, university professors, evaluation board members, representatives of entrepreneurial teams from across Afghanistan, and individuals interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.
This program, as one of AELSO’s most significant initiatives, provided a competitive and inspiring space for Afghanistan youth to present their entrepreneurial concept notes, receive valuable guidance and feedback, and gain access to financial and technical support opportunities. The main goal of the camp is to help transform young people’s innovative ideas into successful and sustainable businesses that can play an effective role in Afghanistan’s economic and social development.
At the Entrepreneurship Camp 2025, speakers, organizers, mentors, and evaluation board members made efforts to encourage and support young entrepreneurs and students by offering insights, guidance, and valuable networking opportunities, helping them take steps toward entrepreneurial activities and play an effective role in Afghanistan’s economic and social well-being.
Sayed Mohsen Habil, Chancellor of Isteqlal University, said during his speech: “AELSO, with the initiative of promoting entrepreneurship in society and organizing entrepreneurship camps, especially the Entrepreneurship Camp 2025, has brought universities and society from the 18th century to the 21st century. Furthermore, our young people have shown that no limitation can stand in the way of their creativity and innovation. We are proud of our youth’s capabilities and believe that the future of Afghanistan will be built by their hands.”
In this camp, out of 118 young entrepreneurial teams including of men, women, and girls from across Afghanistan, 94 teams qualified for the evaluation stage by the evaluation board members. After thorough evaluations and several rounds of competition, ultimately, six top teams advanced to the final round of the camp.
In the final round of the Entrepreneurship Camp, the six top teams presented their ideas to the jury panel, answered key questions, and after intense competition, the DOT team from Kabul secured first place at Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 by developing a functional automated machine for bakeries aimed at enhancing food security. The Royesh Sabz Bamyan team from Bamyan took second place for producing compost fertilizer and contributing to environmental sustainability. The Didban Binayi team from Badakhshan claimed third place for offering organic cosmetic products made by women for women. The Shafa Barg team from Kabul came in fourth with their production of olive leaf tea by women. The Barak Bafan team from Bamyan secured fifth place for presenting high-quality barak fabrics and clothing. Finally, the Technor team from Balkh achieved sixth place by providing professional mobile and computer repair services by women for women.
Sardar Rezaei, the award winner of the Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 and founder of the Royesh Sabz Bamyan team, said: “The Entrepreneurship Camp was a platform for us to bring our dreams closer to reality. I believe every Afghan youth can play a significant role in the country’s development; if given the support. I sincerely thank AELSO for its initiative and for organizing such a valuable program that provided us with opportunities for growth, learning, and support.”
Based on the final decision of evaluation board members, the top three teams were deemed eligible to receive financial and technical support from the Afghanistan Economic and Legal Studies Organization (AELSO) to implement their entrepreneurial projects. These supports mark an important step toward creating new job opportunities, strengthening the local economy, and empowering youth, especially women and girls. The Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 concluded with the awarding of prizes to the winning teams, plaques and books for the judges, certificates of recognition for the runner-up teams, appreciation certificates for other entrepreneurial teams, and participation certificates for all camp participants.
At the Afghanistan Economic and Legal Studies Organization (AELSO), we sincerely thank all the speakers, organizers, partners, and participants who contributed to the successful organization of Entrepreneurship Camp 2025. We also express our special gratitude and appreciation to Isteqlal Institute of Higher Education and other partner organizations for their comprehensive cooperation and support in conducting this impactful program.
Entrepreneurship Camp 2025 once again emphasized that Afghanistan is full of talented people and innovative potential, and with the necessary support, young people can play a vital role in the country’s reconstruction and sustainable development. This program also received media coverage. You can access the related reports through the following links: