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The United States Donates More Than 500,000 COVID-19 Vaccines to Iraq

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Matthew H. Tueller joined Iraqi Acting Minister of Health Hani al-Oqabi and other partners to receive the delivery of more than 500,000 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to the Iraqi Ministry of Health as part of the ongoing partnership of the United States with the people of Iraq.

The vaccines were delivered via COVAX in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The United States provided these 503,100 vaccine doses free of charge to Iraq in reflection of our commitment to our shared fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.  This commitment was one of several made during the most recent session of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue, held in Washington, D.C., July 23-26.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided more than $60 million to Iraq to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The United States is proud to partner with the Iraqi people to help save lives and defeat COVID-19.  Together, we will continue to build a world that is safer and more secure against the threat of infectious disease," said Ambassador Tueller.

This delivery of vaccines helps fulfill the White House global vaccine sharing allocation plan, announced on June 3, 2021, that prioritized an allotment for Iraq.

As President Biden promised, the United States is sharing vaccines with Iraq and many other countries to save lives and lead the world in ending the pandemic.

These safe and effective vaccines are key to protecting Iraqi lives and boosting Iraqi economic recovery.

(Source: US Embassy)

The United States is pleased to announce nearly $155 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq as well as Iraqi refugees in the region and generous communities hosting them.

With this additional funding from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. humanitarian support for Iraq amounts to more than $200 million to-date in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. Since FY 2014, the United States has provided more than $3 billion in humanitarian assistance in Iraq and for Iraqis in the region.

This funding will provide critical shelter, essential healthcare, emergency food assistance, protection services such as gender-based violence response, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services throughout Iraq.

U.S. funded programs will support Iraqis displaced by ISIS, many of whom also continue to face hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting access to civil documentation and legal services, improving the capacity of health care facilities, and increasing access to education and livelihood opportunities.

The United States remains the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance in Iraq and globally. We appreciate all donors who have stepped up and continue to encourage both existing and new donors to increase their support to help meet the needs.

(Source: US State Dept)

Entrepreneurs Network and Gain Skills at USAID-Top Mountain Business Canvas Conference in Erbil

U.S. Consul General Rob Waller spoke with the over 250 entrepreneurs and job seekers at the second-annual Top Mountain Business Canvas Conference on May 27 at the Rotana Hotel in Erbil.

The Business Canvas Conference, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was an opportunity for participants - both virtually and in person - to network and enhance their business and job-hunting skills.

The Conference featured a series of panels with business leaders to discuss the future of economic development in northern Iraq and share tips on applying for jobs or starting their own companies.

Zhala Sabir, Co-Founder and Managing Director of USAID partner Top Mountain, said:

"Opportunities like the Business Canvas Conference are invaluable, as they help strengthen connections amongst private sector actors and spark innovation."

During his opening remarks, U.S. Consul General Rob Waller affirmed the United States' support to initiatives like the conference, which contribute to developing a robust private sector:

"We are proud to support free enterprise here in Erbil and across northern Iraq, and we are committed to supporting not only local job seekers but also you entrepreneurs who are job creators. We are confident that investing in your future is good for the Kurdistan Region, good for Iraq, and good for the United States."

The Business Canvas Conference was organized as part of the USAID-funded Business Incubator and Employment Program (BIEP), which supports youth and micro, small, and medium enterprises in parts of northern Iraq rebuild following the atrocities and destruction of ISIS. To achieve this, BIEP offers business training programs for new and aspiring entrepreneurs, organizes professional networking opportunities, and opened a business incubator in Erbil. The program also supports existing businesses in Erbil recover from the economic effects of COVID-19.

(Source: US Embassy)

By Mohammed Hussein, for The Iraqi Economists Network (IEN). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Private Sector Development: Iraq's Long-lost Solution

Six years passed since the Iraqi government launched its Private Sector Development Strategy 2014-2030, aiming to reform regulatory frames and market conditions towards private sector-led growth. Several international partners (including UNDP, World Bank, GIZ, and USAID) also attempted to help realize some goals of the strategy.

Along with the strategy, Iraqi leaders have always been advised to diversify the rentier economy to cope with their challenges of unemployment (at 13 per cent) and poverty (at 31.7 per cent), but things are not moving forward.

The economy is still heavily state-dominated and crude oil-dependent, whereby oil revenues constitute more than 98 per cent of exports, 63 - 67 per cent of GDP, and up to 93 per cent of Federal Budget revenues.

What has hindered the private sector development (PSD) strategy remains as a set of institutional challenges. Although most of the challenges are technical, they can be addressed once a reformist political leadership is in charge.

This article is an attempt to find out how the institutional challenges hindered the PSD strategy, assuming that institutions enforcing laws and regulating the private sector matter for economic growth. It also suggests some policy recommendations that could help to tackle the challenges given the current potentials and political constraints.

Please click here to read the full report.

(Source: IEN)

USAID and Top Mountain Announce 15 Iraqi MSMEs to Receive In-Kind Grants

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Top Mountain have launched a Business Accelerator Project to assist micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in Iraq recover, develop, and grow their businesses.

Today, Top Mountain announced the names of 15 Iraqi MSMEs selected to be funded through in-kind grants by USAID.

In his remarks at the launching, USAID/Iraq Deputy Mission Director Bob Birkenes said:

"USAID is proud to be a part of this worthy initiative that promotes the development of the Iraqi private sector while providing opportunities for young Iraqis to become more competitive in the job market."

These in-kind grants will help support MSMEs in a wide array of areas, including business development, revenue generation, job creation, productivity, and recovery from COVID-19. Businesses applied for the USAID-supported Business Accelerator grant program through an online application.

All selected businesses had to be 100% Iraqi-owned, have been registered in Iraq (including the Kurdistan Region) for at least one year, and have between 2 to 50 employees.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

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UN signs financing agreement with the USAID to support UN electoral assistance to Iraq

The United Nations in Iraq welcomes the contribution of USD 9.7 million from the USAID to a UN-led project to support and assist capacity-building within the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC).

The USAID funding will also support the deployment of UN electoral advisers at subnational levels as IHEC prepares the October 2021 early national elections.

On behalf of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an agreement with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to manage the financing and administration of the project.

"The United States is committed to listening to Iraqi needs and providing tailored support that promotes Iraqi sovereignty and stability," said USAID/Iraq Mission Director John Cardenas. "This USAID funding will ensure UNAMI's ability to effectively implement its most pressing electoral assistance activities in preparation for the upcoming 2021 Iraqi parliamentary elections."

The United Nations thanks the United States for its contribution to the process of holding free, fair and transparent elections in Iraq.

(Source: UN)

New €10m contribution from Germany expands UNDP Iraq's Coronavirus response into 15 governorates

German Government's KfW Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Iraq, have today signed a EUR 10 million agreement (US$11.75 million) to support Iraq's response to COVID-19.

The contribution was made by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with financing provided through KfW. Over the past five years the German Government has been a continuous supporter of UNDP activities in Iraq and committed so far more than EUR 300 million through KfW Development Bank for this purpose.

The German Government also supports Iraq in its efforts to address the immediate and medium-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and has set up an emergency window under which funds are provided, including this contribution to UNDP.

This contribution allows UNDP to extend its COVID-19 response measures into 15 governorates. It makes Germany the tenth partner to contribute to UNDP's COVID-19 response, taking the total raised to approximately $38.9 million.

Measures under UNDP Iraq's response include increasing the testing capacity of laboratories, providing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers, building isolation units for infected patients and undertaking assessments to drive post-COVID-19 recovery strategies.

"The spread of COVID-19 is still taking its toll on Iraqi communities across the country. Thanks to Germany's generous contribution, we can continue boosting Iraq's health infrastructure by constructing an extra three isolation wards in addition to the 13 that have either been completed or are underway," says Resident Representatives of UNDP Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad.

H. E. the German Ambassador, Dr. Ole Diehl, especially emphasizes the multi-faceted approach of UNDP's COVID-19 response measure. "COVID-19 is a catastrophe, not only insofar as it destroys human health and lives. It also causes people to lose their jobs, enterprises to lose their revenue and families to literally lose the food on their table. These possible outcomes of COVID-19 require a strong and differentiated response mirrored in this program. Germany continues to support Iraq in its fight against COVID-19. This is why we have launched an extensive global COVID-19 emergency program, under which also a sizeable COVID-19 response window is allocated for Iraq. This pandemic can only be contained with the collective effort of the international community and Germany will play its part."

"Germany is one of UNDP Iraq's largest contributors, and we are extremely grateful for their strong and continued support, particularly during the pandemic," adds Ms Ali Ahmad.

KfW Development Bank and UNDP enjoy a strong cooperation over the years. "On behalf of the German Government, we are very pleased to further extend our cooperation with UNDP and assist Iraq in its efforts to address the current challenges arising through COVID-19," says Director of KfW Office Iraq, Dr. Anna Janke.

The contribution will be channelled through UNDP Iraq's Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS).

Germany joins Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and USAID as key partners supporting UNDP Iraq's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which supports medical facilities in Anbar, Babil, Basra, Dhi Qar, Diwaniya, Diyala, Duhok, Erbil, Karbala, Kirkuk, Maysan, Muthana, Najaf, Ninewa and Salah Al Din.

(Source: UN)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq and the Iraqi Ministry of Planning (MoP) have today signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will boost the private sector through micro, small and medium enterprises, create job opportunities and support an inclusive growth policy.

The MoU provides a general framework for cooperation between the two parties to conduct a survey of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) funded by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in three Iraqi governorates: Baghdad, Basra and Nineveh.

The survey will build a comprehensive national approach and an understanding of the MSMEs structure, their development trends, and operations, helping stakeholders make informed decisions on how to strengthen and develop MSMEs, and create a sustainable economic base in Iraq,, in addition to identifying the opportunities and challenges. This will be supported by updated and reliable labor market studies and information.

It covers important areas of cooperation, including the exchange of knowledge, data and documents that serve the purposes and scope of the survey, and the provision of the necessary technical support, including survey staff and qualified field staff throughout the survey development stages.

"The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is clearly articulates the steps required to implement the private sector development strategy launched by the ministry in cooperation with the international partner, the United Nations Development Programme. UNDP has expressed strong commitment and has had a prominent role in the strategy by providing the necessary support to the Central Statistical Organization to implement the survey for small, micro and medium enterprises in both the formal and informal sectors for three governorates as a first phase, followed by the inclusion of the rest of the governorates in the second phase when health conditions improve." said The Minister of Planning, Dr. Khalid Battal Al-Najm in a statement on the signing of this memorandum.

Resident Representative of UNDP Iraq Zena Ali Ahmad, emphasizes, "Micro, small and medium enterprises in Iraq face significant challenges which have been exacerbated by the outbreak of COVID-19. resulting in a reduction of growth potential and employment opportunities. The signing of this memorandum comes at a pivotal time and is an important step towards strengthening the role of the private sector in Iraq and creating much-needed job opportunities."

"This memorandum also emphasises the continued and fruitful cooperation between UNDP Iraq and the Iraqi Ministry of Planning - a key partner across many of our initiatives - as well as the partnership with our generous donors USAID. We are extremely grateful for their support in funding this critical work" she added.

UNDP will provide the necessary technical support to prepare the survey and develop recommendations that can assist stakeholders in establishing development policies for the economic sector.

(Source: UNDP)

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Top Mountain have launched a Business Accelerator Project to assist micro, small, medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in Iraq to provide immediate assistance to help their business recover, develop, and grow.

In support of this effort, Top Mountain will distribute USAID-funded grants to 15 Iraqi businesses.  These grants will help support MSMEs in a wide array of areas, including business development, revenue generation, job creation, productivity, and recovery from COVID-19.

Businesses can apply for a Business Accelerator grant through an online application form on Top Mountain and USAID Iraq social media pages. To benefit from a grant, businesses must be 100% Iraqi-owned, be registered in Iraq (including the Kurdistan Region) for at least one year and have between 2 to 50 employees.

This unique project will complement the ongoing USAID-funded Business Incubator and Employment Program implemented by Top Mountain that has to date delivered employability, information and communication technology, and business management skills training to over 650 beneficiaries.

USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results.  The USAID-funded Business Accelerator Project implemented by Top Mountain is part of USAID's broader New Partnership Initiative (NPI), which aims to build the capacity of local organizations and assist populations in Iraq recovering from the genocide perpetrated by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Top Mountain is a consulting firm based in Iraq that focuses on stabilization, economic development, and promoting employment and entrepreneurship.  The Business Incubator and Employment Program together with the new Business Accelerator project is aligned with Top Mountain's mission to support economic development and stability in Iraq.

(Source: Top Mountain)

Newly-constructed COVID-19 Isolation Ward opens in Dohuk

A 20-bed Isolation Ward designed to handle the most severe COVID-19 patients has been officially opened by the Governor of Dohuk in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq.

Constructed by UNDP and funded by USAID, the Isolation Ward sits adjacent to Dohuk's Burns and Plastic Surgery Hospital and will serve a catchment area of 325,000 residents from Duhok, Akre, Semel, Zakho, Shekhan, Amedi and Bardarash districts. It includes life-saving medical equipment, most of which was also funded by USAID.

The facility is one of 13 isolation wards currently being established across the country by UNDP to support the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government's efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Other measures under UNDP's response package include increasing the testing capacity of laboratories, providing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers and undertaking assessments to establish post-COVID-19 recovery strategies.

"The new isolation Ward is critical for Dohuk, which continues to host a high number of people displaced from the ISIL conflict, as well as Syrian refugees. This facility will help alleviate pressure on nearby health centers, providing quality care for infected patients and a purpose-built environment for frontline workers," says Resident Representative of UNDP Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad.

"This facility could not have been established without the generous funding from one of our key partners, USAID, so we are extremely grateful for their continuous support," adds Ms Ali Ahmad.

"The United States is proud to continue helping communities through building facilities like this one. We will continue to work with the KRG as we face this pandemic, and we will all come through this together," says U.S. Consul General Rob Waller.

In future, the Isolation Ward can be repurposed to treat patients with airborne infections and respiratory illnesses. The equipment can also be used to enhance the capacity of ICUs to provide intensive respiratory care.

(Source: UNDP)