Afghanistan’s Ministry of Water and Energy has signed a landmark contract to build a major electricity supply project for the Qosh Tepa and Darzab districts in Jawzjan Province. The deal, inked on December 23, 2025, is a critical step in powering the ambitious Qosh Tepa canal, a major irrigation project in northern Afghanistan aimed at transforming the region’s agriculture and addressing water challenges.
A Landmark Deal for Qosh Tepa electricity in Northern Afghanistan
The Ministry of Water and Energy has taken a significant step forward by signing a contract valued at approximately 1.8 billion Afghanis (about $28.4 million USD) with the private company State Corps. The signing ceremony, held at the Government Media and Information Center, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, underscoring the project’s national importance.
This agreement focuses not only on supplying electricity to the Qosh Tepa canal but also on providing reliable power to thousands of households in the surrounding districts. It represents a key component of the country’s broader strategy to develop its energy infrastructure, a topic further explored in our Afghanistan Solar Panel Manufacturing market insights report.
Details of the $28.4 Million Qosh Tepa electricity Agreement
The comprehensive project is set to be completed within three years. It involves the construction of 85.24 kilometers of 220-kilovolt transmission lines, along with the establishment of two new substations and two distribution networks. This initiative will transmit power from the center of Jawzjan province to the districts, ensuring a stable supply for both agricultural and residential needs. Such large-scale infrastructure investments, much like the historic Syria 5 GW power project, are vital for fostering regional development and energy security.
The electricity supply is crucial for the 280-kilometer Qosh Tepa canal, which passes through the northern provinces of Jawzjan, Balkh, and Faryab. The canal is designed to irrigate over 600,000 hectares of agricultural land. With the first phase completed last year and the second phase underway, this power project will ensure the canal system can operate efficiently and continuously.
Overcoming Challenges to Boost National Qosh Tepa electricity Supply
The Qosh Tepa canal project has not been without its challenges. The construction process has faced various obstacles, including natural disasters. In June, floods caused significant damage to the canal, sweeping away parts of the infrastructure and highlighting the vulnerability of large-scale projects to environmental factors.
Furthermore, Afghanistan has historically relied heavily on electricity imports from neighboring countries. This new project is a crucial move towards greater energy independence. It complements other domestic generation efforts across the country, including the 10-megawatt Laghman solar project and the essential 40 MW solar project in Logar province. These initiatives build upon previous agreements, such as the deals signed for solar projects totaling 8 MW in capacity, showcasing a consistent push towards renewable energy.
Developing a robust domestic energy sector requires a deep understanding of the entire production cycle, from sourcing solar panel raw materials to mastering the solar panel manufacturing process. Despite the obstacles, progress on the canal and its supporting infrastructure continues, with officials and local residents optimistic about the transformative benefits for the region’s agriculture and economy.
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