The Digital Solutions for Recovery AI and Data Science Training Program, implemented by Horizon Bridge Consulting (HBC) and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ran from July to November 2024 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The initiative focused on closing the country’s growing digital skills gap by equipping youth with practical knowledge in artificial intelligence AI and data science, helping expand individual opportunity while supporting economic recovery.

Afghanistan’s private sector is evolving, but many businesses still struggle to find qualified digital talent. At the same time, young people especially women and graduates from rural areas often lack access to advanced technical training. This mismatch has limited both employment opportunities and private sector growth.

In response, UNDP and Horizon Bridge Consulting launched the Digital Camp Program, an intensive, hands-on training initiative. The curriculum was shaped by market research with 29 private sector companies to ensure that learning matched real industry needs. Over five months, more than 200 participants including female only batches and an engineering cohort received training in Python, machine learning, data visualization, predictive analytics, and sector specific AI applications. A hybrid learning model, guest lectures from industry experts, real world capstone projects, and internships with Afghan companies helped bridge theory and practice.

The program achieved strong outreach and engagement. Awareness campaigns reached over 500,000 people and generated more than 2,700 applications, from which 200+ youth were selected through a competitive process. Participants demonstrated significant learning progress, with average test scores rising from 46% to 83%, and gained hands on experience with tools such as Power BI, TensorFlow, SQL, and GIS.

Career pathways were a key outcome. More than 20 internship placements were secured with organizations including AfghanPay, MTN, Afghanistan International Bank, and PharmaOne, and several participants received full time job offers even before completing the program. Gender inclusion remained central, with two female only batches achieving an 87% attendance rate and strong engagement in technical projects. Stories like those of Husna Shafaq and Deeba Omarzad show how women are entering and advancing in the tech sector.

To ensure long term impact, the initiative also established an alumni network, a digital resource repository, and partnerships with industry. Training materials and curriculum are now available for replication and scaling.

Voices of Impact

Husna Shafaq, Participant and Intern at AfghanNet:
“I started with basic programming knowledge, but this training opened my eyes to AI and data science. Working on a real recruitment system project and interning at AfghanNet gave me confidence and skills I never thought I would have. Thank you, UNDP and HBC, for this life changing opportunity.”

Mohammad Auzair Numani, Engineering Batch:
“I knew little about GIS and solar design tools before. Now I can confidently design solar systems and analyze spatial data. This training has empowered me to contribute to Afghanistan’s renewable energy future.”

The Digital Solutions for Recovery initiative shows that even in challenging environments, targeted digital skills training can unlock potential, promote inclusion, and support economic recovery. By equipping Afghan youth with future ready skills, UNDP have helped transform individual lives while contributing to a more innovative, inclusive, and resilient digital economy in Afghanistan.