At a glance

Diversifying the economy and creating more job opportunities in the private sector are among the key challenges facing Iraq today. With an unemployment rate of 15.5%, about 400,000 young people enter the job market each year, while the private sector formally offers around 50,000 job opportunities (MoP, 2024).

The country has a rapidly growing and young population, with nearly half under the age of 19. Although Iraq’s digital and green economies are not yet fully tapped, they hold promising opportunities for inclusive growth and a Just Transition. Building on the foundation established by DTC Iraq between 2017 and 2023 — which focused on developing the digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem, digital skills training, and investment and business development — the Center now operates under a broader mandate. The new mandate supports sustainable business growth and strengthens employability by empowering entrepreneurs, building labour-market-relevant skills, improving access to finance, and contributing to evidence-based policy frameworks.

Our approach

The Digital Transformation Center Iraq adopts a comprehensive approach that supports companies, individuals, financial institutions, and policymakers in strengthening the foundation of a more sustainable and inclusive private sector. DTC Iraq targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, and individuals. To create better conditions for job-creating business growth in Iraq’s digital and green economy, the Center works in four main areas: