Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship: World Bank-funded Balochistan Project approaches closure in Feb

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank–funded Balochistan Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Project has generated nearly 19,000 full-time jobs for rural communities and extended support to 45,000 beneficiaries, marking major progress as it approaches closure in February 2026.

According to the official documents, the project has installed 312 High Tunnel Systems to boost high-value agriculture, while 41 percent beneficiaries are women, reflecting a strong gender focus. Community participation has translated into over USD2.1 million in local capital investment for agri-business activities.

The initiative has established 328 Business Support Facilities and trained 12,199 individuals, including 42 percent women, in entrepreneurship and technical skills.

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Financial and advisory assistance has reached 4,812 entrepreneur groups, enabling sustainability of micro and small enterprises in selected districts of the province.

Disbursement under IDA credits stands at around 83 percent, while the Trust Fund component has achieved 100 percent utilization, demonstrating steady implementation momentum. An endline survey is underway to evaluate on-ground impact on livelihoods and enterprise resilience.

Documents revealed that the operation, approved in March 2020, is now in its final stretch, with the closing date set for 27 February 2026. The progress towards achievement of project development objective as well as overall implementation progress of the project has been rated moderately satisfactory.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026