Iraq is located in West Asia, sharing borders with Turkey, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. As of early 2025, its population is approximately 46.4 million, with the unemployment rate having decreased to 13% thanks to recent stabilization measures (Iraq ministry of Planning)
The education sector has made strides with the launch of 790 new schools in 2024 and plans to build more, supported by the National Education Strategy 2022–2031 (World Bank). At the tertiary level, institutions such as the American University of Iraq – Duhok, Sulaymaniyah and AUIB Baghdad, which graduated its first class in May 2025, are helping modernize higher education and retain talent (AP News).
Thus, Iraq’s human resources comprise a large youth cohort, growing numbers of university graduates, and an expanding skilled labor pool. Security has improved markedly since late 2022 under current political leadership, fostering a more stable business environment (Wikipedia).
By 2025, Iraq’s nominal GDP is estimated at around US $270 billion, with per capita GDP about US $5,900. Growth is projected at 4.1% in 2025 after modest recovery in 2024 (IMF eLibrary, May 2024).
Oil continues to dominate, contributing nearly 90% of foreign exchange earnings and over 85% of state budget revenues, while non‑oil sectors such as services, construction, and agriculture remain underdeveloped but growing (IMF, July 2025).
The economy remains heavily reliant on oil revenues sourced largely from exports. Non‑oil diversification and private‑sector development are financed through the Iraq Development Fund, established in August 2023, which by early 2025 had attracted US $7 billion in foreign direct investment and signed international MOUs (IMF, July 2025).
Iraq 2025 also benefits from bilateral support programs and multilateral funding from institutions like the World Bank, UN, and regional development partners.
The Iraqi government has articulated a commitment to economic diversification and reform. Key plans include a focus on non-oil sectors like agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure. The “Development Road” project, a major strategic initiative, is aimed at creating a north-south corridor of rail and roadways to better connect Iraq 2025 to the region and the world. The government is also investing in modernizing its energy sector, particularly in gas production, to enhance energy security and reduce its reliance on imports. A new National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) has been launched for 2025-2029 with the goal of increasing account ownership and boosting the use of digital financial services (UN Security Council, May 2025; AFI Global, June 2025).
Railway modernization, and energy transition projects. These aim to stimulate employment and reduce oil dependency. The Iraq National Education Strategy (INES) 2022–2031 seeks to strengthen education at all levels and fill investment gaps in infrastructure and human capital.
The Iraq Development Fund supports private-sector-led projects, renewable energy investments, and industrial diversification efforts via international partnerships (UN Security Council, May 2025; AFI Global, June 2025).
GDP growth is projected to peak around 4–5% over the next few years before stabilizing at ~3% annually by 2035, contingent on oil prices, fiscal reform progress, and continued diversification (IMF eLibrary).
Non‑oil sectors are expected to gradually expand, particularly in logistics, renewable energy, manufacturing, construction, and services.
Projections for Iraq 2025 economy over the next decade are contingent on political stability and the successful implementation of reforms. The IMF’s long-term forecast suggests that structural reforms in the labor market, business regulation, and the financial sector could potentially double non-oil GDP growth. However, a failure to implement these reforms and address corruption, combined with continued reliance on oil, would likely lead to intensified fragilities. The country has immense potential, but unlocking it requires a sustained effort to diversify the economy and attract private sector investment. The success of large-scale infrastructure projects like the Development Road will be a key indicator of long-term economic momentum (IMF, July 2025).
Beyond primary and secondary investments, higher education is seeing innovation: for example, the American University of Iraq–Baghdad, established in 2018, offers liberal arts, sciences, business, pharmacy, law, and health‑related degrees.
The government’s INES 2022–2031 strategy aims to close funding gaps in tertiary education, improve quality, and align curricula with labor market demands (World Bank).
Key sectors with opportunities for international firms include (Iraq Business News, June 2025; U.S. Department of State, 2024):
Business Opportunities for International Companies per Industry
Despite the challenges, Iraq 2025 presents significant business opportunities for international companies across various sectors:
The legal framework for investment in Iraq is primarily governed by the National Investment Law of 2006 (amended in 2015). This law is designed to promote investment by providing certain guarantees and incentives to both domestic and foreign investors. Key provisions include:
Iraq 2025 stands at a pivotal moment, poised for a new era of growth and stability. The nation’s abundant natural resources, particularly oil, provide a strong economic foundation, while a young, increasingly educated workforce and a more stable political environment create a fertile ground for non-oil sector development. The government’s strategic initiatives, such as the “Development Road” and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, underscore a clear commitment to diversifying the economy and attracting foreign investment. Despite ongoing challenges, including a heavy reliance on oil and the need for further structural reforms, the momentum towards a more integrated, modern, and resilient economy is undeniable. Key opportunities exist in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and financial services, making Iraq a compelling prospect for international businesses willing to navigate its unique landscape. The legal framework, while evolving, provides guarantees and protections to investors, particularly in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, which serves as a notable entry point.
Unlocking this immense potential requires more than just understanding the broad trends; it demands expert local knowledge and strategic guidance. For those seeking to establish a business in Iraq or the Kurdistan Region, having a reliable partner on the ground is crucial. For more information or a personalized consultation on navigating the Iraqi market, we invite you to contact Shull Solutions. You can reach us through our website by clicking contact us, or send us an email at [email protected].