Iraqi Supreme Youth Council announced Saturday that the National Strategy for Eradicating Digital Illiteracy is set to launch soon, with an emphasis on increasing loan availability for young entrepreneurs in Iraq's growing digital sector.

Ali Hilal, the executive director of the council, said that the initiative will provide loans ranging from 50 million to 100 million dinars to 1,000 young people. Of these, 500 loans will be issued through the Riada initiative, and the remaining 500 will be facilitated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Hilal also indicated that the number of loans could increase if there is higher demand and a rise in the number of digital projects.

He further explained that the strategy includes the establishment of four digital youth centers across different provinces. These centers will serve as hubs for digital training, development, and entrepreneurship, featuring incubators, accelerators, and workspaces specifically designed to support youth-led digital projects. In addition, the strategy encompasses a series of nationwide programs and activities aimed at eradicating digital illiteracy.

The announcement comes on the heels of four new initiatives launched by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, in conjunction with World Youth Day and the first anniversary of the Supreme Youth Council. The initiatives aim to propel Iraq’s digital sector forward, particularly among the youth.

These initiatives include forming a national team of 1,000 young specialists and enthusiasts in the digital field, who will lead efforts in digital transformation and sectoral growth across Iraq. 

Another key aspect is the training, qualification, and development of 10,000 professional programmers over the next five years, as well as providing financial and technical support for youth-driven digital projects.

In addition, efforts to educate the public on the effective use of digital tools and platforms will be intensified as part of the broader strategy. Three AI and robotics clubs have also been established in Baghdad, with plans to expand these clubs to other areas in the future.