Ehsan Bayat

Profile Verified by The Marque

Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026

Founder

Ponte Vedra Beach, US

Profile Verified by The Marque

Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026

In Their Own Right

Biography

Dr. Ehsanollah (Ehsan) Bayat is a prominent Afghan American entrepreneur and philanthropist who has significantly contributed to Afghanistan's development through ventures in telecommunications, energy and media, alongside extensive humanitarian efforts.

Born in Afghanistan, Bayat's early life was disrupted by the Soviet invasion in 1979, prompting his family's relocation to the United States. He graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and began his entrepreneurial journey by owning a wholesale food distribution company.

Bayat returned to Afghanistan in 2002 with a mission to aid in rebuilding his homeland. He founded Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC), the nation's first mobile phone company, now the largest operator serving millions across all 34 provinces.

In 2005, Bayat launched Ariana Television and Radio Network, which has become Afghanistan’s largest private media network, providing news and entertainment to over 25 million people. In 2019, he launched Bayat Power, Afghanistan’s first Independent Power Producer (IPP) and a pioneer in the country’s gas-to-power generation space, which has provided light and heat to more than 1 million households.

Bayat's philanthropic initiatives are directed through the Bayat Foundation, Afghanistan’s largest charitable organization. Established in 2006 by Bayat and his wife Fatema, the foundation aims to improve the health, education, and economic well-being of the Afghan people, notably constructing 14 maternity and neonatal hospitals that have treated more than 4 million patients.

Dr. Ehsan Bayat’s contributions to Afghanistan's economic and social revitalization have earned him numerous accolades, including the Mahatma Gandhi Humanitarian Award and the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year Award.

The Record

Background

2002 — Present
Founder

Afghan Wireless Communications Company (AWCC)

The establishment of the Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) revolutionised Afghanistan's archaic telecommunications sector. It was Afghanistan's first wireless telecommunications provider, and today provides extensive mobile services, including 4G LTE, to over 5 million subscribers across the country. AWCC is part of the Bayat Group.
Present
Founder

Bayat Energy

Engaged in oil and gas exploration, development, and production in Afghanistan, Bayat Energy aims to use the country's natural resources to boost energy production and support economic growth.
Present
Owner

Pamir Foods

Pamir Foods was a restaurant and food supply holding company with interests throughout the greater New York region.
2005 — Present
Founder

Ariana Television Network

Ariana Television Network (ATN) is Afghanistan's largest private television and radio network, broadcasting a variety of news, educational, and entertainment content across the country and to Dari and Pashto speakers globally. ATN is part of the Bayat Group.
Present
Founder

Ariana FM

Ariana FM 93.5 offers diverse radio programming in Dari and Pashto. It broadcasts music, news, and cultural content, reaching listeners across Afghanistan and the wider Dari and Pashto-speaking diaspora. Ariana FM is part of the Bayat Group.
2002 — Present
Founder

The Bayat Group

Afghanistan's largest private diversified company, including telecoms, media, energy, charitable work, and technology. It employs over 10,000 Afghans and impacts 100,000 more through its operations.