Photo: Freshta Akbary shows some of Nazeef Pastery’s products in an exhibition in Balkh Province. © STFA Mohammad Omar Kamal

 

When Freshta Akbari first opened Nazeef Pastry in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province, she baked a small range of goods. Keeping the commercial ovens hot was nearly impossible due to unreliable electricity. Frequent power outages disrupted baking schedules, while the high cost of fuel and grid power severely limited Freshta’s ability to take on larger orders or hire more staff.

A turning point came when the bakery was identified through STFA’s joint programme to receive a solar power system. This infrastructure upgrade provided stable, uninterrupted electricity, allowing Freshta and her team to increase their daily production and work consistent hours without fear of sudden blackouts. Furthermore, money saved on energy costs was reinvested directly into the bakery’s operations, paving the way for the hiring of more women.

Today, Freshta’s enterprise employs 27 women and produces more than 30 different products, including cakes and cookies. These are sold in markets across Balkh and Kabul provinces.