• Afghan Women Transform Social Media into E-commerce Platforms

    • October 20, 2025
    • Posted by: HBC Insights
    • Categories: Central Asia, Competitive Research, Digital & Technology, Innovation, Market Entry & Growth, Policy & Economic Impact, Research & Insights, South Asia, Women's Empowerment
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    New HBC research maps 82 online businesses and interviews 70 Afghan women entrepreneurs who turned Instagram and WhatsApp into full e-commerce channels after 2021, revealing strong growth, specific skill gaps, and clear opportunities for targeted donor interventions.

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  • Islamic Microfinance in Afghanistan: Market Assessment & Strategic Opportunity

    • October 10, 2025
    • Posted by: HBC Insights
    • Categories: Case Studies, Central Asia, Competitive Research, Financial Services Consulting, Global & Emerging Markets, Policy & Economic Impact, Research & Insights, South Asia
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    Afghanistan’s microfinance sector contracted 91% between 2021-2023. Only 10% of the population has access to formal financial services. Yet amidst economic collapse—27% GDP contraction, $9 billion frozen central bank assets, and severe deflation—a counterintuitive signal emerged: Islamic microfinance products recorded 100% repayment rates.

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  • Emergency Response That Reaches the Most Vulnerable

    • September 20, 2024
    • Posted by: HBC Insights
    • Categories: Case Studies, Competitive Research, Disability Inclusion, Innovation, International, Research & Insights, South Asia
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    This evaluation of a €4.5M emergency response program shows what actually works in fragile contexts. Across six provinces, the program achieved a 94% delivery rate and intentionally reached 33% persons with disabilities through protection-focused design. Our mixed-methods assessment reveals the operational choices that drove exceptional results.

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