This report paints a sobering picture of the state of Afghanistan’s economy and the livelihoods and wellbeing of the Afghan people. The economy grew for the first time since the Taliban’s take-over of power in 2021, by 2.7%, but significant and deep-rooted economic challenges remain. Subsistence insecurity of the population increased in 2024, reversing some of the gains made in 2023, and the report notes significant gaps between regions, between rural and urban areas, and for vulnerable groups. Women, IDPs and returnees were particularly hard hit. Political uncertainty, the ongoing economic crisis, and the impact of climate and economic shocks continue to limit prospects for recovery.

The report calls for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis, including lifting the restrictions on women, continuing to provide humanitarian and basic needs support, and strengthening and supporting the private sector to ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery.