Afghanistan's digital advertising sector is experiencing steady growth, with a 20% increase in ad spend from 2025 to 2026. The majority of campaigns are mobile-focused, reflecting the high mobile penetration rate. PPC remains dominant, accounting for over 60% of ad spend, as businesses target consumers through cost-effective, targeted ads. Despite economic challenges, digital advertising shows resilience, driven by increased internet access and smartphone usage.
The average CPC remains low compared to regional averages, making PPC highly attractive for advertisers with limited budgets. Engagement rates indicate that nearly a third of the digital population interacts with paid ads regularly. As internet infrastructure improves, Afghanistan's programmatic advertising market is expected to expand further, attracting more international brands seeking affordable digital marketing channels.