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Good Governance

Our work in this sector

Reforms for an Effective and Trustworthy State

Strengthening Governance Structures for Better Infrastructure

A Key Factor

Measures within the priority area of good governance are designed to develop the capacity of government bodies in Afghanistan and involve the population to a greater extent in political decision-making processes. They place a particular focus on promoting the rule of law, strengthening women’s rights, combating corruption and expanding administrative structures.

One of the key expectations the Afghan people have of their government is for it to observe the principles of the rule of law. Consequently, the German government is working to strengthen legal protection for Afghan citizens. To this end, it is promoting measures for raising public awareness of the law and offering legal assistance, and providing practical instruction and internships to improve training for law students. Additionally, it is supporting the Afghan government in its fight against corruption, an issue that is particularly pronounced in the mining sector, where large sums of potential state revenue are currently being lost due to illegal activities and a lack of transparency.

Through its support of the World Bank’s Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), the German Government is also helping to develop the capacities of government bodies. Moreover, governors and managers in selected districts are being advised on ways to improve the management and coordination capabilities of provincial administrations. This is intended to create effective and responsive government bodies at this level that are able to independently plan and deliver development projects and programmes. Furthermore, promotion of public platforms such as dialogue forums and citizens’ consultations is encouraging public participation in political processes and thus boosting the confidence of Afghans in their own state.

The German Government is also pursuing its objectives through close cooperation with civil society organisations, which are to be increasingly integrated into political processes and empowered to demand transparency from public institutions.

For further information about our work in the priority area of good governance, please see the project descriptions and the ‘Stories’ section.

Our work in this sector

Building Independence Decades of violent conflict have destroyed large parts of Afghanistan’s infrastructure. There is no extensive supply of electricity and water, nor are there enough schools and hospitals to meet people’s needs. more

Transparency in the Mining Industry Afghanistan is a resource-rich country and could be a leading exporter of natural resources, if it mined its deposits in a sustainable and regulated manner. However, the mining sector is largely disorganised and controlled by anti-government groups. Illegal mining and corruption are depriving the Afghan state of substantial revenues, hampering the economic and social development of the country. more

Reforms for an Effective and Trustworthy State Decades of armed conflict have shattered Afghan society, along with its state structures. There has been some improvement in state and administrative functions, but citizens, businesses and investors are still not benefiting from all the necessary public services. more

Legal certainty for all citizens The Afghan Constitution, adopted in 2004, guarantees equal rights for men and women. This is also reflected in the international human rights treaties signed by Afghanistan. While many new laws and policy programmes adhere to the spirit of the new legal system, their implementation is slow. more

Strengthening Governance Structures for Better Infrastructure The living conditions in northern Afghanistan continue to be poor. The majority of the population has only limited access to basic infrastructure and public services. There is a lack of roads, bridges, clean drinking water, irrigation systems for agriculture, energy supply, flood protection, and schools, among other things. more