In brief
Afghanistan signed a 275‑million‑dollar natural gas deal with Azizi Group for exploration in Jawzjan province. The 30‑year contract covers over 3,000 square kilometres and is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs while supplying 1,000 MW of electricity. The agreement aligns with the government’s strategy to unlock energy resources and foster economic growth.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum concluded a 275‑million‑dollar contract with domestic firm Azizi Group for natural gas exploration and extraction in northern Jawzjan province on Nov. 4, Xinhua reported.
The 30‑year agreement covers more than 3,000 square kilometres in the Jungal Kalan region of the Amu Darya basin, a key area for Afghanistan's energy prospects, the source noted.
The deal involves Azizi Group, identified in the announcement as a domestic entity, and reflects the government's focus on leveraging local companies for resource development.
Xinhua reported that the venture is expected to create over 2,000 jobs during its implementation phase, a claim that underscores the project's potential to generate employment in the region.
The project is also projected to produce up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity once operational, a figure that could substantially increase Afghanistan's power supply.
Minister of Mines and Petroleum Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, speaking at the signing ceremony, highlighted the project's expected socio‑economic impact, including job creation and electricity generation, according to Xinhua.
The Ministry has been signing a series of agreements with domestic and international firms to develop Afghanistan's mineral, oil and gas resources, a move that the government says will unlock the country's natural wealth and foster economic growth.
The signing ceremony, held in Kabul, marked another step in Afghanistan's broader strategy to attract foreign investment and create sustainable development opportunities, said an official release, the ministry added.
Officials maintain that the 275‑million‑dollar deal will help address electricity shortages in Jawzjan province and boost local economies through the introduction of new infrastructure and skilled workforces.
The project has implications beyond immediate job creation, as the 1,000‑megawatt capacity could supply energy for residential, commercial, and industrial uses in the region, a point the ministry emphasized.
With this agreement, Afghanistan signals its continued commitment to developing its natural gas resources, positioning itself as a potentially significant energy producer in Central Asia.