How much electricity does Afghanistan import?

Afghanistan currently imports over 670 MW of electricity from neighboring Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This costs Afghanistan between $250 and $280 million annually. Afghanistan's western provinces have long purchased electricity from eastern Iran.

Why does Afghanistan need lithium?

Afghanistan sits atop vast lithium reserves and faces a pivotal decision: leverage this mineral wealth to assert national sovereignty and drive local development or risk exploitation by foreign powers eager to dominate the global supply chain for electric vehicles (EV).

Does Afghanistan need a lithium monopoly?

Afghanistan must limit dependence on investments driven mainly by external strategic interests. Maintaining control over its lithium reserves is equally critical, necessitating a robust national framework for extraction and processing.

How can Afghanistan benefit from its mineral wealth?

To truly benefit from its mineral wealth, Afghanistan must improve its governance and human rights. The country is plagued by corruption, lack of transparency, and weak rule of law and these are considered barriers to sustainable development.

How can Afghanistan benefit from its natural resources?

By developing its own capabilities, Afghanistan will ultimately ensure an equal distribution of the benefits of its natural resources for the betterment of its people. Governance and Human Rights To truly benefit from its mineral wealth, Afghanistan must improve its governance and human rights.

Does China have a monopoly over Afghanistan's mineral resources?

Speculation of China’s dominance over Afghanistan’s mineral resources, following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, and India’s competing interest in lithium for electric vehicle production as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) achievements by 2030, further complicate this issue.