The Rural Enterprise Development in Kandahar (REDKan) project aims to stimulate inclusive economic growth by harnessing the potential of the micro-enterprise sector and its strategic linkage with high growth drivers, particularly small-to-medium enterprises and large agribusinesses, for sustainable employment and income generation in rural areas.

Under the management of the Afghan Ministry of Rural Reconstruction and Development, it will promote economic regeneration activities in one of the most critically important provinces of Afghanistan.

The Government of Canada will be proactively supporting the REDKan project, resulting in improving the lives of the rural poor during the short term, and providing valuable experience in establishing rural economic development in less secure areas.

• A provincial situational analysis study to identify appropriate niche sectors and recognize the required skill sets and potential bottlenecks associated with those sectors is nearing completion.
• The Comprehensive Business Development Training for the recruited Business Development Services Officers is now completed. This training will help these officers to implement the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development component of the project.