The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is one of nine specialist agencies and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The Foundation works in rural development in some 30 countries, especially in Asia and Africa. In Afghanistan, it works in seven provinces of northern and central Afghanistan, implementing long-term programmes aimed at reducing poverty and enabling people to improve their quality of life. The Foundation implements programmes in civil society, agriculture, infrastructure, small enterprise development and education.

The Foundation began working in Takhar and Kunduz provinces in 2003, directing programmes from its regional office in Pul-i-Khumri, Baghlan. Early programmes focused on improving food security with assistance such as providing improved seed and livestock extension services. As programme activities grew more extensive, a new regional office was opened in Talogan in 2009 to direct activities in these two provinces, providing greater continuity in programme coverage between central and northeastern Afghanistan.