DUBAI, UAE – Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) announced Wednesday they have begun launching a training and development program in partnership with global tech giant Apple to create jobs for Iraqi youth and advance the country’s digital transformatoin.

“The CMC, in coordination with Apple, is working on a training and development program that will help Iraqi youth gain skills and access to job opportunities,” Ali al-Muayyad, head of the CMC said. “We’re also focused on transferring global expertise, and providing legal and technical support to improve the business environment.”

The discussions with Apple began nearly a year and a half ago, centering around creating a roadmap for a long-term strategic partnership with the tech giant, al-Muayyad told the Iraqi state media on Wednesday.

The initiative, backed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, aims to remove barriers facing international companies looking to invest in Iraq, according to Muayyad. The prime minister has voiced his support for Apple’s efforts in creating jobs, and enhancing digital services.

A high-level Apple delegation earlier this week visited Iraq, as part of their efforts to boost cooperation with the relevant authorities in Baghdad.

On Monday, PM Sudani met with the Apple delegation and al-Muayyad, to discuss Iraq’s ongoing digital transformation.

Sudani highlighted the efforts of the Higher Committee for Digital Transformation and Iraq’s growing appeal as an investment environment, emphasizing the need for a rapid digital shift.

The Apple delegation proposed initiatives to develop youth skills, particularly in technology, through collaboration with universities and proposing working on registering devices that enter Iraq to “ensure competitive pricing.”

The Apple delegation also showed commitment that the tech giant will contribute in advancing digital transformations in Iraq's economy and financial sectors.