Afghanistan’s poverty crisis deepened in 2025, with three in four Afghans—around 28 million people—unable to meet their basic needs. Modest economic growth failed to keep pace with rapid population growth, declining aid, worsening climate shocks, and restrictions on women’s rights. The return of 2.9 million Afghans in 2025 alone further strained already overstretched services and livelihoods.
The UNDP’s Afghanistan Socioeconomic Review highlights that subsistence insecurity remains widespread, with returnees particularly vulnerable. Nearly 5 million Afghans returned between 2023 and 2025, and in high-return provinces, 92% of households face subsistence insecurity compared to 74% nationally. Formal employment is scarce, with only 3% of returnees holding formal jobs and most relying on casual day labor.
Economic growth slowed to 1.9% in 2025, down from 2.3% in 2024, while population growth of 6.5% caused real GDP per capita to decline by 2.1%. Incomes remain well below 2020 levels, placing Afghanistan among the poorest countries globally. The trade deficit widened to a record $11.3 billion, equal to 60% of GDP, as imports surged and exports stagnated. Agriculture was hit hard by climate shocks, with drought affecting 64% of the country and access to safe drinking water falling sharply.
Restrictions on women’s rights continue to undermine economic potential. Nearly 100 edicts issued since 2021 remain in effect, limiting women’s employment, education, and mobility. Girls’ school attendance stood at 42%, compared to 73% for boys, further weakening human capital development.
International assistance declined by 16.5% in 2025, forcing over 440 clinics to close or reduce services. As a result, the share of people unable to access healthcare rose from 16% in 2024 to 23% in 2025. With more than 80% of households in debt and most relying on negative coping strategies, the humanitarian situation remains dire.
UNDP officials stressed that Afghanistan needs more than short-term relief. Investments in jobs, services, and local markets are essential to help households rebuild their lives, reduce vulnerability, and regain control over their futures.
