World Bank says Taliban revenue rises over 5% in April

The Taliban’s revenue increased by more than 5 percent in April compared with the previous month, reaching nearly 20 billion afghanis ($304 million), according to a new World Bank report that points to stronger tax collection despite ongoing trade disruptions.

The World Bank’s April 2026 Afghanistan Economic Monitor said total domestic revenue reached 19.7 billion afghanis in April, up 5.8 percent from March and 6 percent from a year earlier. The increase was driven primarily by tax collections, which rose to 8 billion afghanis and accounted for the largest share of revenue growth.

According to the report, improved taxpayer compliance, stronger enforcement measures and broader tax collection efforts helped offset pressures caused by trade disruptions and the continued closure of key border crossings with Pakistan.

Customs revenue, however, declined slightly to 5.1 billion afghanis as disruptions to traditional trade routes affected imports and exports. Non-tax revenue rose to 6.5 billion afghanis, supported by receipts from transport tolls, passport fees, overflight charges, railway services and telecommunications.

The report also showed that security spending remained the largest component of Taliban expenditures. Of the 14 billion afghanis spent in April, about 7.1 billion afghanis — or 51 percent — went to security institutions. Civilian sectors and public services accounted for the remaining 49 percent of spending.

Overall public expenditure fell sharply during the month, declining 20 percent from March. The World Bank attributed the drop largely to delays in budget approval and adjustments to Afghanistan’s fiscal calendar. Capital spending recorded the steepest decline, falling 69 percent from the previous month.

The report comes as Afghanistan’s economy shows signs of modest recovery, supported by domestic demand and stronger revenue collection. However, the World Bank warned that rising inflation, trade disruptions and the return of large numbers of migrants from Pakistan and Iran continue to place pressure on households and living standards.

Consumer prices rose 8.6 percent year-on-year in April, while Afghanistan’s trade deficit widened to nearly $1 billion, reflecting the country’s continued dependence on regional transit routes and exposure to external shocks.

The World Bank said economic growth is continuing, but remains insufficient to improve living standards as rapid population growth and the return of hundreds of thousands of migrants dilute income gains across the country.