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Nakhla, an Iraqi-based agri-tech social enterprise, has received a six-figure investment from Euphrates Ventures, an Iraq-focused venture fund.

The investment was facilitated by the Iraqi Angel Investors Network (IAIN) and marks the first investment round completed by an Iraqi agri-tech startup. Nakhla is the Arabic name for date palm tree and has long been associated with Iraq's history and culture.

Nakhla was founded in 2018 by Labeeb Kashif Al-Gitta in Iraq to provide cultivation, harvesting and cleaning services to date palm trees across Baghdad. Users can subscribe to the company's services in exchange for a subscription fee and a revenue share of the palm tree's harvest.

In addition, users can adopt a date palm tree planted in a public space. The company sells the harvest of the palm trees it serves under its own brand as part of its partnership with the Iraqi Company for Manufacturing and Marketing Dates and Imar Al Iraq.

Labeeb, the CEO of Nakhla, has commented

"Date palm trees have always been considered a national treasure in Iraq. Today there are more than 19 million date palm trees, 7 million of which are not made productive. We want to change that".

Nakhla has been awarded the care of more than 12,000 date palm trees across Baghdad by the local municipality. The company has also secured sponsorship partnerships with major corporations in Iraq. Recently, the company has been selected to be part of the USAid sponsored MENA Regional Hub initiative of the Water and Energy for Food program. The company plans to launch its mobile app by mid-year and has plans to integrate AI and IoT elements into its services.

Labeeb further commented:

"There is great potential in reviving agriculture in Iraq, but we want to go beyond that and integrate the latest technologies into our service". It should be noted that Iraq's harvest yield of palm trees falls behind that of other countries in the region."

Euphrates Venture has made investments into five startups including Miswag, the leading Iraqi e-commerce platform, and Alsree3, a leading food delivery service. This investment marks Euphrates first venture into Agri-Tech.

Grant Felgenhauer, a Managing Partner at the firm, commented:

"Agriculture has the potential to be one of the most dynamic sectors of the non-oil Iraqi economy, but it is often overlooked by foreign and local investors. We are thrilled to be supporting the team at Nakhla as they expand their unique business model to deliver both economic returns as well as social impact."

Geoffrey Batt, a Managing Partner at the firm, added:

"Nakhla is attempting to revive a once-thriving industry in Iraq-we believe it can.  The founders and employees have great expertise, drive and vision, and we are happy to play a role in helping them achieve their goals."

The investment has been facilitated by the Iraqi Angel Investors Network, an initiative by Kapita sponsored by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH via its project "ICT for Youth in Iraq".

Ali Al Suhail, the Network Manager for the Iraqi Angel Investors Network commented:

"Agri-Tech is an attractive space in Iraq that we are very excited about and foresee much larger activity in the coming years".

(Source: Kapita)

New partnership supports private sector development in Iraq's Kurdistan Region

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Planning (MoP) have today signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will boost the private sector by encouraging the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The MoU provides a general framework for cooperation between the two parties to conduct a survey of MSMEs, funded with the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in all governorates of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG): Dohuk, Erbil, Halabja and Sulimaniyah.

The survey, which follows a similar survey conducted in Federal Iraq across Baghdad, Basra and Ninewa, will build a comprehensive understanding of MSME structure, development trends and operations, MSMEs a sustainable economic base in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

"Micro, small, and medium enterprises are the lifeblood of a healthy economy. They are also exceptionally vulnerable to risk. The U.S. Government, through USAID, is proud to contribute to this important research that sheds light on the opportunities and challenges of this critical sector and promote sustainable economic growth in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region," says USAID Mission Director to Iraq John Cardenas.

"The KRG is very grateful to USAID and UNDP for their assistance in conducting a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Survey, which will be held for the first time throughout the Kurdistan Region. This will help identify deficiencies and provides recommendations for developing these institutions to provide job opportunities for young people in the private sector and reduce the unemployment rate, especially among young people." says Minister of Planning of KRG, Dr. Dara Rashid.

"This partnership is critical to enhancing livelihoods creation through strengthening the development of MSMEs in the Kurdistan region. We have already derived some extremely valuable insights through the Federal Iraq survey which has helped us develop a roadmap on the way forward - ensuring business owners and those thinking of starting their own business have the necessary support and encouragement they need," says Resident Representative of UNDP Iraq Zena Ali Ahmad.

"This memorandum is another testament to the excellent cooperation between UNDP Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government - a key partner across many of UNDP's initiatives - as well as the partnership with our generous donor, USAID. We are extremely grateful for its ongoing commitment to fostering private sector growth in both Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq," she added.

(Source: UN)

The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over more than 20 tons of urgently needed medical technologies to the Ministry of Health in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

The 117-pallet consignment contains a variety of emergency medical devices, mechanical and intensive care unit beds, personal protection equipment (PPEs), and in-kind medical furniture that will contribute to boosting the quality of medical care services and enhancing the local health authority's preparedness to encounter a potential transmission of the Omicron variant in what is considered as the fourth wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq.

"I am happy at the level of collaboration between the Ministry of Health in Kurdistan Region of Iraq and WHO and would like to thank all the hard efforts behind this continued support," said Dr. Saman Barzangy, Minister of Health in KR-I. "This shipment of emergency medical supplies will surely make a difference in the quality and quantity of health care services delivered in our health institutions. Hundreds of thousands of people will now ensure better access to essential and emergency health care services including COVID-19 treatment," H.E. Dr. Barzangy added.

After the significant decrease in COVID-19 infections in the last months of 2021, helped by the rise in numbers of vaccinated people across Iraq, the infection figures started to surge again recently alarming of a new wave of the pandemic in the country, which could relate to the detection of the Omicron variant in the northern city of Duhok in KR-I and the capital Baghdad on 6 January this year.

"This consignment complements the previous emergency and lifesaving support presented to enforce the local health authorities' response to the new surge in Omicron variant cases," said Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq.

"We are concerned about the recent drive in case numbers which we see as a call for a collective action to promote the local prevention and vaccination efforts. WHO and the Ministry of Health on both the Central and Kurdistan Regional levels share the same goal of working to protect the Iraqis and save lives through accessible, sustainable, and affordable quality health care services across the country," Dr. Zouiten added.

It is worth mentioning that in 2021, WHO Iraq supported the Ministry of Health in KR-I with medical equipment and pharmaceuticals worth of over US$2.5 million. The support assisted in augmenting the provision of essential and emergency health care services in the KR-I governorates and productively contributed to addressing the dire health needs of the region's community which continues to host nearly a quarter of a million Syrian refugees and over 1 million internally displaced Iraqis.

The World Health Organization in Iraq would like to express its gratitude for the generous contribution from the People and Government of Germany, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the People and Government of Kuwait for assisting in funding this medical and lab support.

(Source: UN)

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a timely and generous contribution of US$19.24 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA).

The funding will help provide life-saving assistance to 181,000 displaced Iraqis and 72,000 Syrian refugees in the form of cash transfers that support their immediate food needs.

The U.S. support is helping ensure that people can meet basic food and nutrition needs during and in the aftermath of crises - including post-conflict and through the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will also enable them to withdraw the money they are entitled to at their convenience without being limited to one location, encouraging a streamlined and efficient process of humanitarian assistance delivery and social distancing.

"With an estimated 1.2 million people in Iraq who remain displaced and 90,000 Syrian refugees in camps, the United States continues its support to WFP's life-saving efforts to address acute humanitarian needs," said USAID/Iraq Mission Director John Cardenas.

"This contribution will also aim to further digitalize the Public Distribution System (PDS), which is a critical step to strengthening the Government of Iraq's social protection system to address citizens' needs."

In addition to helping WFP provide vital food assistance to displaced Iraqi families and Syrian refugees, this new contribution will allow WFP to better support millions of Iraqis all over the country through the digitalization of the PDS system with the Ministry of Trade, which allows for more accurate and timely assistance of actual people in need with monthly food rations provided by the Government of Iraq.

"We are thankful for the steadfast support of the US government and people of the United States in providing assistance to vulnerable displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees as well as in enhancing social protection, through the reform of the PDS and strengthening the capacities of the Iraqi government," said WFP Representative in Iraq Ally-Raza Qureshi.

"The contribution will ensure that progress made in improving the food security of displaced families and refugees is maintained, and that essential technical support to the Government of Iraq for digitalizing the largest public distribution system which supports millions of Iraqis, continues."

Since 2010, USAID has been a consistent partner to WFP's emergency operation in Iraq. This collaboration expanded to support social protection initiatives in 2019. WFP and the Ministry of Trade continue to roll out the 'Tamwini' ('My Food Ration') smartphone application to families in Najaf governorate and are in the process of scaling up to include people in 15 other governorates.

The app enables households to easily and quickly update their data on their phone, such as a birth or a marriage, saving time and enhancing accuracy.

(Source: UN)

By John Lee.

Iraqi e-commerce company Orisdi has signed a six-figure deal with Al Sharqiya TV.

Sharqiya is one of the largest media groups operating in Iraq, having launched the country's first fully independent privately-owned satellite TV channel in 2004, complemented by the addition of the Sharqiya News channel in 2008.

The investment round was facilitated through the Iraqi Angel Investors Network (IAIN) and included a matching grant from Germany's Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) via its "ICT for Youth in Iraq" project, as part of the organization's support to the Angel Network.

Orisdi was founded in February 2019 by Ahmed Al Kiremli and Hala Usama and launched in May 2019. It focuses on providing its customers with a wide range of products with a unique customer experience. The business was bootstrapped at the start, then received investment by a group of angel investors before receiving funding from institutional investors.

According to the press release, it has now reached seven figures in net sales, with over 37,000 product SKUs, making it the fastest-growing e-commerce store in Iraq.

As part of its investment, Al Sharqiya will promote Orisdi's brand through regular TV spots, across its social media pages, in addition to complimentary coverage of Orisdi and the e-commerce, technology, digital innovation and general business startup scene in Iraq on Al Sharqiya's suite of reality TV shows, and news programming.

Investors in Orisdi include Innovest Middle East VC and a group of angel investors, including Amar Shubar, a partner at Management Partners Consulting, and Omar Al-Handal, the Managing director of Al Handal International Group.

Orisdi is the first place winner of the grant of the Spring 2021 cohort of Takween Accelerator - the leading program for tech startups in Iraq. Takween is supported by the European Union and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Implemented by the Expertise France, and hosted at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS).

Advisory support to this transaction was provided through USAID's Durable Communities and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) project, with implementation from CrossBoundary. The support helped Orisdi respond to investor questions through the due diligence process around the company's operating and financial model. Jad El Jamous, a strategic startup advisor, provided additional guidance to Sharqiya during this period, enabling the transaction to progress smoothly.

Nour Sabri, an angel investor, said:

"I am impressed by Orisdi's growth and potential to become the Amazon of Iraq. I believe that with Al Sharqiya's partnership the company will be able to head towards new heights."

Mohsen Khairaldin, Managing Director for Investments at Al Sharqiya Group, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Orisdi as part of our growing interest in supporting the digital start-up sector in Iraq and the vital contributions private-sector companies can make towards solving day-to-day challenges for Iraqis. As one of Iraq's leading and fastest growing e-commerce players, we believe that Orisdi provides a valuable service that more Iraqis can benefit from as awareness of its brand increases over time".

Ahmed Al Kiremli, Co-Founder & CEO of Orisdi says:

"Al Sharqiya's partnership with Orisdi is a significant and strategic milestone for us. It will enhance our standing with both customers and investors and will open new doors in terms of exposure and awareness from millions of Al Sharqiya's viewers across its TV and digital platforms that will generate new customer segments and scale our sales."

Ali Al Suhail, the Network Manager for the Iraqi Angel Investors Network commented:

"As KAPITA, we are very happy to see leading Iraqi businesses investing in local startups, Iraq holds huge potential as a digital market but capital will be critical in unlocking this potential."

(Source: Kapita)

IOM assessments highlight evolving economic needs under unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 in Iraq

Necessary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 combined with volatile oil prices and a decrease in the value of the Iraqi dinar brought an end to two years of sustained economic growth in Iraq, heavily impacting individuals and communities affected by conflict and displacement.

To ensure that livelihood programming continues to be responsive to the evolving needs of Iraqi communities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted 29 Labour Market Assessments (LMAs) - studies involving individual interviews and focus group discussions to help IOM Iraq teams better understand the realities of local markets; the hiring preferences of employers; and the skills, needs and goals of jobseekers, consumers and others.

The results of these assessments have been published alongside LMA reports from 2020 and 2019 in a collection titled Labour Market Opportunities and Challenges. They highlight the considerable livelihood needs remaining as communities recover from the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and years of conflict.

"As conditions evolve, so must our response. Together with our community consultation process, the LMA findings help us understand how we can adjust how we provide livelihoods programming to have the greatest impact, with an eye to inclusivity and sustainability," said Clementine Favier, Head of IOM Iraq's Returns and Recovery Unit.

The LMA findings identified the types of vocational training, on-the-job training and business support packages that would be most beneficial in each surveyed district, information that is already being used to focus funding and plan interventions.

The LMAs showed that 74 per cent of jobseekers preferred cash over voucher or in-kind livelihood assistance. The assessments also suggested a preference for entrepreneurship, with about 70 per cent of jobseekers preferring to run their own business over being employed in the private sector. These findings emphasize the instability of the private sector, where price hikes and informal working conditions are common.

It is estimated that Iraq's economy shrunk by 10.4 per cent in 2020, the largest contraction since 2003. This deterioration demands a robust, targeted response, particularly in areas previously occupied by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, which continue to suffer from a lack of services and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Market assessments and thematic reports are also conducted for IOM's Enterprise Development Fund to further analyse emerging opportunities and challenges facing the Iraqi economy.

IOM Iraq carries out LMAs with support from the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID); KfW, the German Development Bank; and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).

(Source: UN)

Western Anbar communities see improved basic services with the completion of USAID-funded projects

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are pleased to announce the reopening of five facilities in western Anbar to provide essential services to more than 210,000 residents. UNDP rehabilitated these facilities with funding from USAID.

The facilities, which were damaged or destroyed during years of occupation by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), include three municipality buildings in Heet and Rawa, an electricity substation in Al Qaim, and a primary school in Rummanah.

They are:

• Al-Mohamadi Municipality Building, Heet
• Al-Baghdady Municipality Building, Heet
• Rawa Municipality building, Rawa
• Al Qaim Electricity Substation, Al Qaim
• Al-Aseel Primary School, Rummanah

The projects were implemented through UNDP's flagship programme, the Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS).

Since 2015, USAID has contributed more than US $405.2 million to FFS, including over $154 million in Anbar, making it the programme's leading partner. To date, USAID has supported over 900 FFS rehabilitation projects that include critical water and electrical infrastructure, as well as schools, housing and health facilities.

"The reopening of these facilities is an important milestone for the people of Anbar. After many difficult years, this region is getting back on its feet. This is a testament to our collective determination to help Iraq build forward stronger," says UNDP's Resident Representative in Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad.

"Rehabilitating infrastructure, schools, public buildings, and health centers are critical steps to helping displaced populations return home safely and start to rebuild," said USAID Mission Director in Iraq John Cardenas, "USAID is proud to be the leading contributor to these efforts through the Funding Facility for Stabilization program."

"We would not be here today if not for the support of one of our founding partners, USAID. Together with USAID, we have made tremendous contributions to stabilization in Iraq. I would also like to express my gratitude for the strong partnership with the federal government and local authorities, which enables us to implement projects and ensure their sustainability," added Ms. Ahmad.

Since its inception in 2015, FFS has worked with the Government of Iraq and local actors to ensure safe, dignified and voluntary returns and to lay the foundation for the successful reintegration of displaced populations into the community.

Its 29 funding partners have contributed $1.4 billion to the programme,  which has completed 2,944 projects in five governorates liberated from ISIL, improving the lives of more than 14.6 million Iraqis.

(Source: UN)

Six new facilities providing basic services to 230,000 residents in western Anbar have officially opened thanks to a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, the Governorate of Anbar, and the international community.

The facilities, completed under UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS), were inaugurated as part of a UNDP Iraq visit to Heet, Haditha, Anah, Rawa, Qaim and Rummanah led by Resident Representative Ms. Zena Ali Ahmad. They included:

• Al-Mohamadi Municipality Building, Heet (funded by USAID)
• Al-Baghdady Municipality Building, Heet (funded by USAID)
• Al Khasfa Water Treatment plant, Haditha (funded by the Government of Sweden)
• Rawa Municiapilty building (funded by USAID)
• Al Qaim Electricity Substation (funded by USAID)
• Al-Aseel Primary School, Rummanah (funded by USAID)

The mission commenced with a meeting between UNDP and Anbar Governor H.E Ali Farhan to discuss UNDP's support to the province as well as remaining needs. Visits to other completed projects under FFS including Haditha Public library (funded by the Government of Iraq), Anah Municipality Building (funded by the Government of Finland), and Al Qaim Vocational Training Centre (funded by the Government of Canada) and an oasis agricultural project (also funded by Canada) were also included.

Additionally, a meeting with the Al Qaim Local Peace Committee supported by UNDP Iraq under its Social Cohesion programme was held, with discussions focusing on the sustainable reintegration of returned IDPs including families with a perceived affiliation to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Future areas of collaboration were also explored, with a site visit to discuss potential livelihood projects in the productive sector on land owned by Haditha's Department of Agriculture, and a stop by the Haditha Women's Cultural Centre to better understand the specific needs of local women. The mission concluded with a visit to an ongoing livelihood project funded by Canada which employs 200 workers - including women - to plant 15,000 olive seedlings (high olive oil trees), 2,000 palm seedlings (Zahddi trees) and build five wells.

"It's great to see cities in western Anbar so lively again. Essential services are up and running, shops and traders are open for business and people are out and about. The area was one of the first to be taken by ISIL and the last to be liberated, and I am proud that UNDP Iraq, in partnership with the Government of Iraq and the international community has completed 200 stabilization projects in the area, collectively benefiting more than 800,000 Iraqis," says Ms. Ali Ahmad.

"Western Anbar has always been a priority area for UNDP and will continue to be as we work tirelessly alongside the Anbar Governorate and local community leaders to support the return of remaining IDPs. I'd like to extend my deepest appreciation to our donors - particularly our longstanding partners USAID who funded five out of the six new facilities we inaugurated. USAID has made generous contributions to western Anbar, and to stabilization in Iraq generally. I would also like to express my gratitude for the strong partnership with the federal government and local authorities, which enables us to implement projects and ensure their sustainability in the most effective way," she added.

UNDP Iraq's FFS was established in 2015 at the request of the Government of Iraq with support from the member states of the Coalition to Defeat Da'esh (ISIL), to facilitate the return of displaced persons by rehabilitating critical services and infrastructure, provide short and medium-term employment, provide capacity support for municipalities and foster social cohesion across the liberated areas of Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk Ninewa and Salah Al Din.

To date, $1.4 billion has been mobilized from the international community, with 2,944 projects completed, supporting more than 14 million Iraqis. Another 563 projects are currently underway.

(Source: UN)

The Ministry of Planning's Central Statistical Organization (CSO) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a study on Micro, Small, and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs) in Iraq. The study provides an evidence base to inform policies and strategies aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods, including through MSMEs' development.

Funded by USAID, the Mixed Formal and Informal Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Survey covered the three governorates of Baghdad, Basra, and Nineveh. It is designed to build a comprehensive analysis on the MSMEs structures, trends, business dynamics, challenges and opportunities through up-to-date, reliable, relevant market information and analysis.

Some of the main findings of the survey highlight the low participation of females in MSME ownership (5%); the increasing challenges faced by MSMEs due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the weak networking structures and business clustering of MSMEs.

The Minister of Planning, Dr. Khalid Battal Al-Najm reiterated his support for the initiative.

"In light of the directions of the Iraqi government, represented by the Ministry of Planning to address and reform the economy, activate the private sector, and enable it to actively contribute to the economy in all its sectors, it was necessary to identify the size of this sector and its needs, and the level of small and medium enterprises for workers in the informal sector," says Dr. Al-Najm

"In cooperation with UNDP and with funding from USAID, the CSO carried out a survey covering individuals working in the private sector with the aim of providing economic indicators that will guide planning for the advancement of the private sector and development of MSMEs. The study covered multiple areas, including financing and challenges faced with regards to loans and the use of modern technology, as understanding the participation rate of women entrepreneurs," adds Dr. Al-Najm.

His Excellency valued the great support provided by UNDP Iraq and USAID, in implementing and the completion of this important study, which it is hoped to include all governorates in the next stage, and expressed his will for further cooperation, in various fields.

John Cardenas, Mission Director of USAID Iraq emphasized the critical role MSMEs play in building local enonomies. "MSMEs are the lifeblood of any healthy economy. They also offer untapped opportunities for youth, women, and vulnerable populations to actively participate in the market and contribute to the country's economic growth and long-term stability. We are proud to be partnering with our Iraqi government counterparts and the private sector to enact critical initiatives and reform projects that empower MSME growth and elevate their role in the Iraqi economy," says Mr. Cardenas.

"MSMEs in Iraq face significant challenges. As we continue to grapple with the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 in Iraq, this study once again highlights the importance of the private sector in Iraq to create much-needed sustainable employment opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups. This critical work could not have been possible without our strong partnership with the Ministry of Planning, and the generous support from our longstanding partner USAID," added Zena Ali Ahmad, Resident Representative of UNDP Iraq.

The survey is part of UNDP Iraq's Funding Facility for Economic Reform programme - designed by UNDP Iraq to promote sustainable poverty-centered economic reform in the country, and with the generous support of the American people through USAID.

(Source: UN)