NANGARHAR, Afghanistan — For years, the community of Ikhlas Abad, Behsood watched their paper recycling factory underperform, hampered by unreliable and costly energy. Now, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the installation of a 59 kW solar power system, the factory and community around it have been revitalized. This partnership between the community, the private sector and UNDP exemplifies how community-driven energy initiatives can generate income and create jobs for communities like this one, located in Nangarhar province—a vulnerable region bordering Pakistan that faces an increasing influx of returnees.

The factory collects used paper from sidewalks and streets, including waste from essential products provided to thousands of new returnees arriving daily from Pakistan. It reduces waste while promoting recycling, transforming discarded paper into valuable products like booklets and cartons. 

“Due to the unavailability of city electricity, the high cost of fuel for the generator, and other expenses, we faced financial challenges,” explained Mohammad Tayyeb, the factory manager. “After closing the factory for five years, we sought assistance from UNDP.”

The factory's revival has created 40 jobs for local residents, both men and women, in a region where employment options are scarce. In addition, an estimated that 100 informal waste management workers have been earning a living from gathering and providing paper and carton to the recycling facility.  

Previously dependent on diesel generators, the factory now runs on renewable energy, reducing operational costs and providing a more comfortable work environment. Employees enjoy adequate cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, boosting productivity. 

Enayatullah, another factory employee, remarked, “This initiative has provided employment opportunities for both women and men.” The factory owner created facilities that could allow women to work, as currently businesses in Afghanistan that employ both women and men need separate facilities.

The factory's success is deeply intertwined with community involvement, as locals own the solar panels, increasing their leverage and engagement with the factory owners. Any surplus energy can be sold to other community businesses or individuals. 

The project includes comprehensive training for factory staff on operating and maintaining the solar system, enhancing the workforce's skills and contributing to the factory's long-term sustainability.

With Afghanistan's energy consumption at just 700 kWh per capita annually—a stark 30 times below the global average—the country faces severe development challenges for small businesses. Energy costs and access are constantly mentioned by entrepreneurs as one of the major obstacles to expand their operations. Despite significant renewable energy potential, including 222 GW from solar, Afghanistan lags in the global energy transition. UNDP supports community-based projects like solar panel installations, mini-grids and micro hydropower stations, which improve energy reliability and empower local livelihoods.

Behsood’s paper recycling factory illustrates how renewable energy can transform communities, providing environmental benefits, job opportunities, improved working conditions, and fostering community engagement and development. These days in Behsood, the streets are cleaner. The factory produces high-quality white paper, packets, booklets, and similar items. Best of all, thanks to an agreement between the factory and community, school students will have notebooks for free for the next five years, at least—a win-win for all.