Jailoo-Tourism, a Growing Space for Entrepreneurs in Kyrgyz Republic

Zuura Ibraimova stands in front of her yurts in traditional dress.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10221″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The tourism industry is rapidly developing in Kyrgyzstan, notably even in the most remote corners of the country. Jailoo-tourism, a new term in Kyrgyz Republic, is becoming increasingly popular.

The Power of Patient, Risk Tolerant Capital

A group of young adults look at a tablet computer together at a conference table.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From a young age Nasim, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, strove to create innovative projects, and contribute to the development of the country’s growing IT sector.

Young People Gain Access to Financial Services in Tajikistan

A calculator, bowl of money, and record book are used by the community-based savings group.

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1591114039480{padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-image: url(https://akfusa.org/wp-content/uploads/CBSG_Agora_green_smaller.jpg?id=8872) !important;}” el_class=”bkgd smallcrossroads right”][vc_column el_class=”left fullColumn”][vc_custom_heading text=”BANKING ON BRIGHTER FUTURES” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”fadeInUp” el_class=”colProxSmall”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1591114052864{padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-image: url(https://akfusa.org/wp-content/uploads/CBSG_Agora_green_wide.jpg?id=8870) !important;}” el_class=”bkgd widecrossroads right”][vc_column width=”1/6″ el_class=”left fullColumn” offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”BANKING ON BRIGHTER FUTURES” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”fadeInUp” el_class=”colProxSmall”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4 […]

At the Crossroads of Hope: Connecting Rural Youth to 21st-Century Jobs in India

Girl smiles as she sits on a scooter

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1590769313060{padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-image: url(https://akfusa.org/wp-content/uploads/mmidha-146_right_2a.jpg?id=8869) !important;}” el_class=”bkgd smallcrossroads right”][vc_column el_class=”left fullColumn”][vc_custom_heading text=”AT THE CROSSROADS OF HOPE” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”fadeInUp” el_class=”colProxSmall”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” content_placement=”bottom” css=”.vc_custom_1590714673653{padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-image: url(https://akfusa.org/wp-content/uploads/mmidha-146_right.jpg?id=8865) !important;}” el_class=”bkgd widecrossroads right”][vc_column width=”1/6″ el_class=”left fullColumn” offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”AT THE CROSSROADS OF HOPE” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”fadeInUp” el_class=”colProxSmall”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][/vc_column][vc_column […]

Blazing New Trails in Small Enterprise: Furough’s Story

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”8490″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_custom_heading text=”This story was published as part of our 2018 Annual Report. Read more stories from the report highlighting AKF’s contributions to making leadership more inclusive here.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fakfusa.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F082319_-AKF-USA-Annual-Report-2019_Digital.pdf|||”][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1566224768151{background-image: url(https://akfusa.org/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0411.jpg?id=8501) !important;}” el_class=”padding bkgd”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1533609916265{padding-top: 40vh !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] When she was a young Tajik woman leaving home for […]

Together We Save: How Savings Groups Invest in Women

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For people living in poor, remote areas, access to formal financial institutions to borrow or save money is considered a luxury. Yet families in these regions still need small amounts of savings and credit to help fill gaps in irregular incomes, make investments, and plan for emergencies. The story below illustrates how ESCoMIAD invests in […]

“The Most Important Thing Is to Serve the People”: Rukhshod’s Story

Rukhshod, pictured here, is a leader of micro-lending organizations supported by the USAID-funded ESCoMIAD project.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Meet Rukhshod, the leader of a national micro-lending organization (MLO) in Tajikistan, with five branches across three regions. In a country where the majority of women head households, not financial entities, Rukhshod’s story underscores the importance of women’s inclusion in economic development activities.

Promoting Inclusive Growth in Central Asia

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]“More important than speed, economic growth that is inclusive is crucial for a healthy and stable society.” In Central Asia, Aga Khan Foundation USA CEO Aleem Walji found an unexpected hotspot for inclusive economic growth.

Breaking Barriers to Female Entrepreneurship in Tajikistan

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When most Americans think of what it’s like to be a doctor, they picture long, exhausting days in medical school, endless nights in residency, and fast-paced hospitals—frenzied scenes punctuated with life-saving moments that make all of the hard work worth it. In the West, the image of the long white lab coat is often associated […]