Project for Promoting Economic Activities in Surkhandarya Region by Supporting the Self‑Reliance of Vulnerable People including Afghan Residents

This project supports vulnerable people in Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya region, including Afghan citizens and low‑income local families, to build stable livelihoods and reduce poverty. It promotes self‑reliance and inclusive growth by expanding access to market‑relevant vocational training, strengthening entrepreneurship, and facilitating integration into local and cross‑border markets.

Through the modernization of the Educational Centre for Training Afghan Citizens (ECTAC) in Termez and complementary activities at the Termez International Trade Center, the project will provide practical skills in sectors such as agriculture, information technology, engineering and healthcare, alongside tailored business development services and access to productive assets. The intervention prioritizes women and youth, contributes to social cohesion in a sensitive border region, and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular decent work and economic growth, quality education and gender equality.

Main objectives:

  • To expand access for vulnerable Afghan and Uzbek women, men and youth to quality, market‑oriented technical and vocational education and training that enhances their employability and prospects for self‑employment.
  • To modernize and operationalize ECTAC as a center of excellence through upgraded infrastructure, digital learning platforms and accredited curricula that respond to labor‑market needs in Surkhandarya and neighboring areas.
  • To strengthen entrepreneurial capacities of vulnerable groups by providing structured business training, mentoring, incubation and exposure to best practices, including through adaptation of the One Village One Product (OVOP) methodology.
  • To increase access to productive assets and business services for start‑ups and small enterprises, thereby enabling them to improve productivity, product quality and access to local and cross‑border value chains.
  • To foster social cohesion and stability by reducing economic exclusion of Afghan residents and vulnerable host communities, and by expanding dignified livelihood opportunities for women and youth.
Expected results:
  1. Enhanced education and training infrastructure

Comprehensive modernization of ECTAC, including four STEM laboratories, a greenhouse laboratory, and a controlled‑environment storage facility, enabling high‑quality practical learning.

Establishment of inclusive, safe, and gender‑responsive training spaces.

  1. Increased access to job‑relevant skills

Completion of certified TVET programmes by 700 Afghan and Uzbek residents in Uzbekistan, and 50 Afghan citizens from Afghanistan through short‑term training at the Termez International Trade Center (AIRITOM).

At least 70 percent of graduates applying acquired skills through wage employment or self‑employment.

  1. Strengthened entrepreneurship and business readiness

3,000 individuals complete structured entrepreneurship and business incubation programmes.

200 participants undertaking paid internships with local enterprises, enhancing employability and practical experience.

80 entrepreneurs participating in “One Village One Product” (OVOP) workshops and regional study tours, gaining advanced knowledge in product development and market access.

At least 70 percent of trained participants initiating or expanding income‑generating activities.

  1. Improved access to productive assets

Provision of small‑ and medium‑scale equipment to 100 group startups.

Distribution of equipment packages to 200 individual entrepreneurs to support business growth.

At least 80 percent of supported entrepreneurs reporting increased income within 6–12 months.

  1. Strengthened socio‑economic resilience and social cohesion

Enhanced economic participation among women, youth, and vulnerable households.

Increased local development opportunities, contributing to reduced poverty and improved community stability.

Support for peaceful and constructive engagement between Afghan and Uzbek communities.

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