Assad Zamir

Assad Zamir's career is defined by a rare and powerful convergence: the vision of an entrepreneur, the responsibility of a statesman, and the heart of a humanitarian. From serving as a Cabinet Minister of the Afghan government to building enterprises and foundations that uplift communities, he has dedicated his professional life to creating opportunity, in Afghanistan and in the United States. As a Founding Board Member of the Afghan American Professional Network, he brings to the organization a depth of leadership experience that spans continents, sectors, and decades.

Serving at the Highest Levels of Government

From 2015 to 2017, Assad served as Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock in the Government of Afghanistan, one of the most consequential cabinet positions in a country where agriculture represents the backbone of the national economy and the livelihoods of millions. In this role, he led the development of Afghanistan's Five-Year Strategic Plan for Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, a landmark initiative for which he secured $600 million in international funding from donors including the World Bank, USAID, the Asian Development Bank, the European Union, the UK, and Japan.

As a core member of the Government Economic High Council, Human Development Council, and Refugees Council, Assad helped shape Afghanistan's macroeconomic direction at a pivotal moment in its history. He represented Afghanistan in economic negotiations with the governments of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and India, building the international relationships that are essential for a developing economy to grow. His ability to lead a complex, multi-donor ministry, while managing relationships with ambassadors, international implementing partners, parliament, and local communities, speaks to a breadth of leadership that few possess.

Driving Development Through USAID and International Partnership

Before his time as Minister, Assad served as Deputy Chief of Party for the MIDAS (Mining Investment for Development and Afghan Sustainability) Project, a $95 million USAID-funded initiative focused on building Afghanistan's mining sector capacity, strengthening its regulatory framework, and promoting investment and value chain development. In this role, he led international expert teams and national staff alike, demonstrating the cross-cultural leadership and technical depth that have defined his career.

Building Enterprises and Ecosystems

As the founder of Abreshum Ventures, Assad helped establish one of Afghanistan's first solar energy companies, supporting it through 500% growth in just two years, while simultaneously helping launch agricultural export businesses, advising entrepreneurs on fundraising, and connecting emerging companies with the capital and systems they needed to scale. His work as a venture builder in one of the world's most challenging environments reflects an entrepreneurial tenacity that continues to inspire.

Humanitarian Leadership Through the Zamir Foundation

Since founding the Zamir Foundation in 2020, Assad has channeled his resources and networks into large-scale humanitarian impact. In partnership with USAID and DAI, he launched the Business Recovery Initiative (BRI) to provide working capital and business advisory services to Afghan companies devastated by COVID-19 and the country's political and economic collapse. The Foundation has also led humanitarian relief efforts supporting internally displaced populations, distributing food packages to communities affected by war, natural disasters, and the pandemic.

The Zamir Foundation represents Assad's conviction that lasting development must be paired with immediate humanitarian care, and that Afghan Americans have both the capacity and the responsibility to remain connected to the communities they came from.

Civic Leadership in America

In the United States, Assad has built a reputation as a committed civic leader. He serves as a Board Member of the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce, one of the most active business networks in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, where he helps connect businesses, foster economic development, and strengthen the region's diverse professional community. His engagement at forums including the SelectUSA Investment Summit, where he has engaged directly with U.S. governors on trade and investment, reflects his standing as a credible bridge between American institutions and the global community.

Education and Credentials

Assad holds a Master of Arts in Economics from California State University, East Bay and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Banking from Preston University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and is fluent in English, Dari/Farsi, and additional languages, a reflection of the multicultural fluency that has made him effective across so many different contexts.