Afghan returnee builds soap business from scratch in Kandahar
Entrepreneur produces 50 kilograms of soap daily after returning from Pakistan, urges state help to grow small-scale operation
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — After years in Pakistan, Obaidullah returned home to Kandahar with little more than savings and determination. Today, he runs a small soap factory with his family—an act of quiet resilience in a country where opportunities remain scarce.
Working out of a rented house in Kandahar’s District 2, Obaidullah produces up to 50 kilograms of laundry soap each day. The entire operation was launched with 600,000 Afghanis of personal investment.
“I have a strong product and a loyal customer base,” he said. “But if the government helps us build a proper factory, our business can grow even more.”
According to ToloNews, Obaidullah’s soaps are gaining a reputation for quality in the local market, but limited capital has kept him from scaling up. His factory is family-run, with his children splitting time between school and work.
“I study and help my father,” said Hanfiya, one of the young workers. “We just need support to take this further.”
Another worker, Hanzala, added: “We are doing our best. The government must step in to help expand this effort.”
Officials acknowledge the importance of supporting returnees who launch businesses as a means of sustainable reintegration. Naematullah Olfat, head of the Return and Reintegration Department at Kandahar’s Directorate of Refugees and Repatriation, said that the government, along with charitable partners, can offer assistance for such small enterprises.
“When returnees submit applications, we work to connect them with available support,” Olfat said. “It helps them stabilize and contribute economically.”
The Taliban-led government has activated work committees at all national border crossings to register skilled returnees and help them re-enter the workforce or revive small businesses—especially those returning from Iran and Pakistan.
Obaidullah’s soap factory may be modest, but it’s more than just a livelihood. It represents a quiet defiance against economic despair—and a belief that rebuilding from scratch is still possible, even under the weight of ongoing challenges that many returnees continue to face.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
