Complete guide

How to find software developers in Afghanistan

Afghanistan
February 22, 2023
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Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in Central and South Asia. It is bordered by Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age, and it has a long and complex cultural history. Afghanistan has been occupied by foreign powers, including the British and Soviet Union, and has been in a state of war and civil unrest since the 1970s. The current government is a presidential republic, and the country is rebuilding after decades of war and instability.

Why Afghanistan is a good place to find developers

Developer statistics in Afghanistan

Unfortunately, there is very limited data on the tech talent in Afghanistan. According to a 2016 report by GeekWire, the tech sector in Afghanistan is "emerging," as the country has only recently begun to focus on technology. The report also noted that while the number of tech-related jobs is increasing, the "talent pool is still small." The same report found that the Afghan government has begun to invest in the development of tech talent. In January 2016, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology launched the Afghan Technology and Innovation Park (ATIP), which provides free training and mentoring to tech entrepreneurs. Additionally, the country has also started to invest in the development of tech-related skills in public schools and universities.Despite these efforts, the demand for tech talent in Afghanistan is still largely unmet. The GeekWire report estimated that the country was facing a shortage of over 10,000 qualified tech professionals, and this number is likely to increase in the years to come.

The tech ecosystem in Afghanistan

The tech ecosystem in Afghanistan is still in its early stages of development. The government has been actively promoting the use of technology and digital services, and has taken some steps towards creating a supportive environment for tech startups. There are some tech incubators and accelerators providing support and resources to tech entrepreneurs, such as TechNation, Afghan Citadel Software Company (ACSC), Afghan Startup Accelerator, and Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC). International organizations are also involved in the tech ecosystem in Afghanistan, such as the World Bank, UNDP, and USAID, which have invested in the development of e-commerce, digital infrastructure, and internet access in the country. Additionally, there are some tech events and hackathons taking place in Afghanistan, such as Afghan Tech Summit and Women in Technology Summit, which help to bring the tech community together and promote the use of technology in the country.

Best tech meetups in Afghanistan

Attending local meetups is a great way of getting introduced  to technical talent and getting a better feel for what software developers care about.
These are the best local meetups:

1. Kabul Technology Meetup
2. Afghanistan Tech Meetup
3. Kabul IT Meetup
4. TechKabul
5. Kabul Digital Meetup
6. Afghan Tech Forum
7. Afghan Entrepreneurs Network
8. Afghan Tech Entrepreneurs
9. Afghan Women in Tech
10. Kabul Coding Club

Best methods to source and recruit talent in Afghanistan

There are many different ways to find and hire developers, some examples are:



1. Use a trusted recruitment agency: Working with a recruitment agency with experience in sourcing software development talent in Afghanistan can be a great way to find qualified developers.

2. Leverage online job boards: Online job boards, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, are great resources for finding software developers in Afghanistan.

3. Reach out to local tech communities: Local tech communities can be a great resource for finding software development talent in Afghanistan.

4. Use social media platforms: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are increasingly being used to find software development talent in Afghanistan.

5. Word of mouth: Word of mouth can be a great way to find software development talent in Afghanistan. Ask your network of contacts if they know of any qualified software developers.

These are currently the best methods to find and hire developers:

Search LinkedIn, GitHub and Stack Overflow and reach out

The best way to find developer talent in Afghanistan is to find them in the places where they have an online profile and are active. Examples of those platforms are GitHub and Stack Overflow. LinkedIn can also be a valuable source.

Talent search engines can help you find developers online through a variety of sources. Most talent search engines also provide verified contact details so you can reach out to the talent you have found. In some cases these engines even automate a big part of the outreach process so you can reach hundreds of candidates per day.

An example of a talent search and engagement engine is HeroHunt.ai which can find 1 billion candidates worldwide and lets you reach out automatically with personalized messages.

Best job boards to find developers in Afghanistan

An alternative way to attract development talent is to post a job on a (local) job board.

These are the best local job boards to post your developer job on:

1. LinkedIn
2. Bayt
3. Glassdoor
4. Afghan Job Portal
5. Naukri
6. Indeed
7. Job Street
8. Monster
9. Afghan Network
10. Afghan Jobs Portal

Best remote job boards to find developers in Afghanistan

If you are sourcing for remote talent then you can utilize remote specific job boards where you can post your remote job.

These are the best remote job boards to post your developer job on:

1. Upwork
2. Fiverr
3. Freelancer
4. Toptal
5. LinkedIn
6. Indeed
7. Remote.co
8. Virtual Vocations
9. Guru
10. Craigslist

How to hire software developers from any place without a local office

When you’re hiring software developers you need to be aware of the local average salaries in order to provide a competitive job offer. Below are the average salaries for software developers per experience level.

Average local salaries

Average salary for a junior software developer in Afghanistan

The average salary for a junior developer in Afghanistan is $20,000 per year. This salary is based on the level of experience and skill set the developer has. Junior developers typically work on small projects and are responsible for coding, debugging, testing and maintaining software. They are also responsible for helping to design and develop applications, as well as providing technical support for users. Junior developers are often given guidance and mentorship from more senior developers.

Average salary for a senior software developer in Afghanistan

The average salary for a senior developer in Afghanistan is $3,117 per month. This salary is composed of a base salary of around $2,500, along with additional benefits such as housing, transportation, and other benefits. Senior developers in Afghanistan are typically experienced developers with at least 5 years of experience in the software industry. They are responsible for designing and developing complex software applications, developing and maintaining databases, and troubleshooting software problems. They may also be involved in training and mentoring other developers, as well as providing technical support.

Employing software developers (remotely)

Maybe your company doesn't have an office (yet) in Afghanistan. But that doesn't mean you can't hire employees in Afghanistan. There are several options like EORs which can help employ developers legally according to the regulations in Afghanistan.



An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party employment solution that helps employers navigate international employment laws and regulations. An EOR can be used to hire and manage employees in Afghanistan, making it easier to comply with local labor laws and regulations.

Here’s how to use an Employer of Record in Afghanistan:

1. Choose an EOR: Select an EOR provider who is familiar with Afghan labor laws and regulations.

2. Sign a contract: Sign a contract with your EOR provider that outlines the terms and conditions of the employment arrangement.

3. Prepare the employee: Prepare the employee for their role, including any necessary training or onboarding.

4. Pay wages: Make sure to pay the employee’s wages on time and in accordance with Afghan labor laws.

5. Manage compliance: Ensure that the employee’s employment arrangement complies with applicable laws and regulations.

6. Monitor performance: Monitor the employee’s performance and provide feedback as necessary.

7. Terminate the contract: If necessary, terminate the contract in accordance with Afghan labor laws.

By working with an EOR, employers can streamline the process of hiring and managing employees in Afghanistan. An EOR can help employers ensure that they are compliant with local laws and regulations, as well as providing support for their employees.

Use a platform to find and hire the best developers:
Best platforms to employ developers worldwide

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