New Initiatives Across Iraq Set to Boost Iraqi Entrepreneurship

In collaboration with both the Italian and Iraqi governments, the International Labour Organisation(ILO) has commenced a new project aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in southern Iraq. 

This support comes alongside the implementation of two education programs into multiple cities in southern Iraq, mainly Basra and Muthanna.

The programmes are called the “Financial education” programme and the “Start and Improve Your Business(SIYB)” programme. 
Financial Education was created in 2006 whilst SIYB, despite dating back to the 1970s, was  only introduced in Iraq last year.

Although the project has only recently been implemented, already large numbers of entrepreneurs have signed up, with over 400 and 800 students in each program.
Across both programmes, around 50% of participants are women, which successfully aligns with the initiative’s mission to create a more inclusive environment for the entrepreneur scene in the two cities.  

Alongside financial backing from the Italian Agency of Developmental Cooperation, the ILO had the backing of multiple Iraqi government organisations, including the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Central Bank of Iraq. 

Their support was through providing trainers, and offering opportunities to those who completed their programmes.

Source: ILO