Iraq’s Supreme Youth Council has announced the imminent launch of its National Strategy to Combat Digital Illiteracy, aiming to foster digital literacy and entrepreneurship among the country’s youth. The initiative includes financial support for digital projects, with 1,000 loans available to young entrepreneurs. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani also unveiled additional programs on International Youth Day, including the creation of a National Digital Youth Team, new digital youth centers, and AI and robotics clubs to promote digital innovation.
Loan Programs to Boost Digital Projects
The Supreme Youth Council revealed its comprehensive National Strategy to Combat Digital Illiteracy, set to be launched soon, with key financial support measures. Ali Hilal, CEO of the Council, in a statement to INA announced that 1,000 loans, ranging from 50 to 100 million dinars, will be offered to young Iraqis. The loans will be split equally between the Entrepreneurship Initiative and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Hilal stressed that the number of beneficiaries could increase with a rise in digital project applications.
The loans are expected to encourage youth engagement in digital projects, contributing to the broader goal of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across Iraq.
Digital Youth Centers for Training and Innovation
A significant part of the strategy includes the establishment of four digital youth centers in various Iraqi governorates. These centers aim to provide young people with access to training, networking opportunities, and project incubation spaces. The centers are designed to support digital literacy and help young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses, with the ultimate goal of positioning Iraq as a digital innovation hub in the region.
Hilal also hinted at an upcoming Cabinet decision that will amend an earlier resolution to enhance the implementation of the strategy.
Government Initiatives on International Youth Day
In conjunction with the strategy, Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani launched four initiatives aimed at boosting the country’s digital sector during International Youth Day celebrations across all 18 governorates. Among these initiatives is the formation of a National Digital Youth Team, consisting of 1,000 digital experts and enthusiasts. The team will be responsible for driving digital transformation across various sectors in Iraq, ensuring that young people play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s digital future.
Another key component of the initiatives is the development of 10,000 professional programmers over the next five years, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent to meet the growing demands of Iraq’s digital economy.
AI and Robotics Clubs to Foster Innovation
To further encourage youth participation in emerging technologies, the government has established three AI and robotics clubs in Baghdad. These clubs are part of a broader initiative to encourage Iraqi youth to engage with cutting-edge technologies, in partnership with Baghdad Governorate and the advisory office of Dr. Diaa Al-Jamili.
The registration for these clubs is now open, providing young Iraqis with a platform to explore and innovate in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. The creation of these clubs is intended to inspire the next generation of Iraqi tech innovators, contributing to the country’s long-term technological development.
