UNDP, Frankfurt School and GIFIIP Strengthen Islamic Finance Capacity Building in Afghanistan

10 October 2026: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (FS) collaborate through GIFIIP to Promote Islamic Finance Capacity Building Activities in Afghanistan.

The UNDP Afghanistan Country Office, UNDP’s Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (FS) are deepening their collaboration under the Global Islamic Finance and Impact Investing Platform (GIFIIP) to strengthen professional capacity and institutional expertise within Afghanistan’s financial sector. Established by UNDP ICPSD and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in 2016, GIFIIP promotes Islamic finance and impact investing as tools for advancing sustainable development and accelerating progress toward the SDGs.

This collaboration focuses on international professional certification programmes to foster a more resilient and sustainable financial system. 110 participants are enrolled in three internationally recognized certification programmes: Certified Expert in Risk Management, Governance & Compliance, Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance, and Certified Expert in Digital Finance. These programmes are helping equip Afghanistan’s financial sector with specialized expertise while aligning institutional practices with international standards.

In addition to the certification programmes, the partnership supports the development of UNDP’s Islamic Finance Innovation and Knowledge Hub for Afghanistan through the GIFIIP platform, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among key financial sector stakeholders.

These initiatives highlight the tangible results achieved through Islamic finance certification and professional development, aimed at broadening institutional capacity, strengthening cross-border financial cooperation, and creating an enabling environment for investment.

“Building a resilient financial sector requires more than capital. It requires skilled professionals, strong institutions, and access to globally recognized expertise. Through our collaboration with Frankfurt School of Finance & Management under GIFIIP, we are investing in the human capital needed to strengthen Afghanistan’s financial ecosystem, promote innovation, and support sustainable economic recovery,” said Muniruddeen Lallmahomood, Islamic Finance Portfolio Lead at UNDP ICPSD.

The collaboration between UNDP and Frankfurt School demonstrates how strategic partnerships can strengthen local expertise, enhance institutional resilience, and expand access to internationally recognized knowledge. By investing in professional development and fostering innovation through GIFIIP, the partners are contributing to a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable financial sector in Afghanistan.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead development agency, working in more than 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient nations. In Afghanistan, UNDP supports inclusive economic development, livelihoods, financial inclusion, climate resilience, and community-based recovery efforts to improve the lives of people across the country. The UNDP Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) serves as UNDP’s global policy center on private sector engagement for sustainable development. The Center develops and disseminates knowledge, builds partnerships, and supports innovative approaches that leverage private-sector contributions to achieve the SDGs.

About GIFIIP

Established in 2016, the Global Islamic Finance and Impact Investing Platform (GIFIIP) is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) that promotes the use of Islamic finance and impact investing solutions to advance sustainable development, enhance financial inclusion, and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships, GIFIIP supports countries and institutions in leveraging innovative financing mechanisms to address development challenges and strengthen economic resilience.

About FS

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (FS) is a leading international business school and research institution with extensive expertise in sustainable finance, capacity development, and financial sector development. Through its global programmes, FS supports governments, financial institutions, and development partners in strengthening financial systems and promoting inclusive economic growth. FS is committed to advancing innovative and sustainable financing solutions, including Islamic finance, to address development challenges and enhance resilience in vulnerable contexts.