For more than a decade, ACBAR has remained committed to strengthening the institutional, technical, and operational capacities of national and local NGOs across Afghanistan. As humanitarian needs continue to evolve and localization becomes increasingly central to the aid architecture, ACBAR recognizes that sustainable humanitarian and development responses depend on strong, capable, and resilient national organizations.

In line with the 2026–2028 Strategic Framework under Strategic Pillar 3: Capacity Strengthening and Organizational Development, ACBAR continues to invest in structured learning, organizational development, and localization-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, accountability, representation, and sustainability of NGOs operating at both national and sub-national levels.

A persistent challenge affecting humanitarian response in Afghanistan is the limited institutional and technical capacity of NGO staff, particularly in provincial areas where access to quality training opportunities remains constrained. In response, ACBAR has expanded its role as a national coordination and capacity-strengthening platform by developing comprehensive training modules, delivering targeted learning initiatives, and supporting organizations to improve operational systems, strategic planning, advocacy, accountability, and resource mobilization capacities.

These efforts contribute directly to ACBAR’s strategic objectives to:

• Deliver quality capacity strengthening services to national and local NGOs;
• Provide regular and high-quality training opportunities for NGO staff;
• Advance localization as a system-wide reform agenda; and
• Strengthen the influence, sustainability, and funding access of national NGOs in Afghanistan.

Key Statistics – 2025

• 451 Participants Trained
• 8 Specialized Training Topics Delivered
• 7 Regions Covered Across Afghanistan
• 25 Total Training Days Conducted
• 151 NGOs Reached
• National and International NGO Staff Engaged

Training Overview – 2025

Specialized training remains one of ACBAR’s core approaches to institutional capacity strengthening and organizational development. Through structured training programs, technical workshops, and long-term support initiatives, ACBAR aims to improve the operational and programmatic capacities of NGOs, enabling them to deliver more effective, accountable, and sustainable humanitarian assistance.

During 2025, ACBAR implemented a comprehensive training program designed to strengthen the institutional, technical, and strategic capacities of humanitarian and development organizations throughout Afghanistan. The initiative engaged 451 participants from national and international NGOs across seven regions, including Kabul. Trainings focused on critical thematic areas such as:

• Advocacy and Engagement
• Report Writing
• Policy Development and Implementation
• Fundraising and Donor Relations
• Strategic Planning and Strategic Management
• Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Community Feedback Response Mechanisms (CFRM)
• Gender-Sensitive Humanitarian Action

These initiatives were aligned with ACBAR’s broader localization and organizational development priorities, with particular emphasis placed on strengthening national NGO leadership, improving organizational systems, and enhancing accountability and inclusion within humanitarian programming.

In parallel, ACBAR also invested in strengthening its own institutional effectiveness through internal staff development initiatives, including trainings on organizational behavior, anti-fraud, anti-corruption, and conflict of interest, also Project Management Professional (PMP) exam preparation. These efforts aimed to reinforce ethical standards, promote organizational integrity, and foster a professional and accountable working culture.

Capacity Strengthening Support to SHAPE-TPP Partner Organizations

Under its targeted capacity strengthening initiatives, ACBAR delivered specialized trainings to SHAPE-TPP partner organizations, reaching 231 participants from 58 partner NGOs. Trainings focused on strengthening institutional systems, leadership, strategic engagement, and resource mobilization capacities of partner organizations.

Trainings Delivered:

• Gender-Sensitive Approaches in Humanitarian Assistance
• Advocacy and Engagement
• Strategic Planning
• Report Writing
• Policy Development and Implementation
• Fundraising and Donor Relations

These interventions supported partner organizations in improving strategic planning processes, enhancing advocacy engagement, strengthening donor communication, and promoting gender-responsive humanitarian programming.

Capacity Building Support to ACBAR Member Organizations

ACBAR also facilitated a series of regional trainings for member organizations, reaching 220 participants from 93 NGOs across multiple regions of Afghanistan, including the Northeastern, Northern, Western, Central Highland, and Southern regions.

Key training areas included:

• Advocacy and Engagement
• Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)
• Community Feedback and Response Mechanisms (CFRM)

By expanding trainings to sub-national regions, ACBAR aimed to address disparities in access to professional development opportunities and strengthen the capacities of local organizations operating in underserved and hard-to-reach areas. These regional initiatives contributed to improved coordination, stronger community engagement practices, and enhanced accountability mechanisms among NGO partners.

Strategic Direction and Way Forward (2026–2028)

In alignment with ACBAR’s 2026–2028 Strategic Framework, the Capacity Development Department will transition from ad-hoc training delivery toward a more structured, sustainable, and impact-oriented capacity strengthening model. The department will focus not only on individual skill development, but also on broader organizational strengthening and localization outcomes for national and local NGOs.

Key Strategic Priorities for 2026–2028

Re-establishing and Operationalizing the ACBAR Training Department

ACBAR is in the process to fully re-establish and operationalize a dedicated Training Department within FY2026 through the recruitment of specialized training personnel, including a Training Manager, Training Officers, and support staff. This will strengthen ACBAR’s ability to design, coordinate, and deliver high-quality learning initiatives at scale.

Developing a New Capacity Strengthening Support Service Model

Building on lessons learned from previous twinning and mentoring approaches, ACBAR is in the process of designing and implementation a new Capacity Strengthening Support Service model that provides more tailored, practical, and results-oriented support to national and local NGOs. The model will focus on strengthening institutional systems, leadership, governance, operational effectiveness, and sustainability.

Expanding Access to Quality Training Opportunities

ACBAR developed annual training plans in consultation with members and partners to ensure training topics remain relevant to evolving humanitarian and development needs. The organization aims to facilitate regular trainings at both national and sub-national levels, with a target of:

• At least 8 national-level trainings annually; and
• At least 12 sub-national trainings annually.

Developing Standardized Training Modules and Curricula

To improve consistency and quality, ACBAR is in the process of developing and maintain a comprehensive suite of training modules, curricula, and facilitation materials covering operational, programmatic, compliance, localization, and leadership topics relevant to NGOs in Afghanistan.

Enhancing Monitoring and Impact Measurement

Recognizing the importance of evidence-based learning and accountability, ACBAR will introduce improved monitoring and impact assessment mechanisms to better capture the long-term value and organizational impact of its capacity strengthening initiatives