AGP Executive Report

Local Apps: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission has ruled out banning Waze, urging Iraqi developers to build alternatives while leaving drivers free to choose. Digital Economy: Iraq projects more than $2.5 billion in annual mobile and technology revenue, while Redington has secured a Lenovo server-distribution deal for the Iraqi market. Smart Infrastructure: Iraq has launched a vessel traffic management system, and an Iraqi-Czech forum has explored investment in water technology. Regional Connectivity: Iran’s threat to Gulf undersea internet cables puts a vital link for international data, cloud services and financial transactions at risk.

Local Apps: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission ruled out a proposed Waze ban, urging Iraqi developers to build competing navigation apps while leaving drivers free to choose. Digital Economy: Iraq projects more than $2.5 billion in annual mobile and tech revenue; meanwhile, Redington has become Lenovo’s infrastructure-server distributor in Iraq. Fintech: Rafidain Bank has restored salary advances through SuperQi, bringing the service back to its digital banking platform. Water Technology: An Iraqi-Czech forum explored investment in water technology, as Iraq also signed a seawater project deal with ExxonMobil. Smart Transport: Iraq launched a vessel traffic management system to support oversight of shipping operations.

Digital Economy: Iraq projects more than $2.5 billion in annual mobile and technology revenue. Lenovo has named Redington its local server distributor, while ZTE and Mannai Digital Transformation signed a partnership to advance digital services. Water Technology: An Iraqi-Czech forum explored investment in water solutions, and Iraq signed a seawater project deal with ExxonMobil as the country faces growing water pressures. Maritime Tech: Iraq launched a vessel traffic management system to improve monitoring and coordination at sea. Iraqi Research: Scientists from Sulaymaniyah’s Baxshin Research Center and Komar University reported a rare repeat case of salivary-gland swelling after spinal anesthesia, offering new insight into an unusual post-surgery reaction. Telecom Leadership: Asiacell’s chief commercial officer won a regional Women in ICT award, putting Iraqi leadership in the sector in the spotlight.

Digital Finance: Rafidain Bank is restarting salary advances through the SuperQi app, with applications processed in batches of 5,000. Iraq also expects mobile and IT sectors to generate more than $2.5 billion in annual state revenue from 2027. Water Technology: An Iraqi-Czech forum explored investment in water technology, as Iraq also signed a seawater project deal with ExxonMobil. Local Medical Research: Researchers from Sulaymaniyah’s Baxshin Research Center and Komar University reported a rare case of repeat salivary-gland swelling after spinal anesthesia for two C-sections.

Digital Economy: Iraq expects mobile and IT sectors to generate more than $2.5 billion in annual state revenue from 2027, though the regulator did not detail the revenue sources. Lenovo server distributor Redington also plans to expand access to infrastructure for data- and AI-intensive workloads in Iraq. Water Technology: An Iraqi-Czech forum explored investment in water technology, while Iraq signed an ExxonMobil seawater project deal to support oil operations. Maritime Systems: Iraq launched a vessel traffic management system to modernize shipping oversight. Iraqi Tech Leadership: Asiacell’s chief commercial officer won a regional Woman in ICT award. Higher Education: Kurdistan Region universities admitted 878 students from Kirkuk and other disputed areas.

Enterprise Technology: Redington has been appointed Lenovo’s authorized server distributor in Iraq, widening local access to infrastructure for data- and AI-intensive workloads. Telecom Leadership: Asiacell Chief Commercial Officer Chra Hussain received a regional Woman in ICT award, recognizing Iraqi leadership in the technology sector. Water Innovation: An Iraqi-Czech forum explored investment in water technology, as Iraq also signed a seawater project deal with ExxonMobil. Digital Transformation: ZTE and Mannai Digital Transformation signed an MoU to support Iraq’s digital development. Maritime Systems: Iraq launched a vessel traffic management system.

Iraqi ICT Leadership: Asiacell Chief Commercial Officer Chra Hussain won the Middle East’s Woman in ICT award, recognizing her role in shaping services for more than 20 million customers. Water Technology: Iraqi and Czech officials and companies explored cooperation on desalination, wastewater treatment and smart monitoring in Baghdad. Separately, Basra Oil Company signed an agreement with ExxonMobil for a seawater project supplying up to 2.5 million barrels a day to support oil production. Digital Infrastructure: Iraq launched a vessel traffic management system, adding new technology to the country’s maritime operations. Climate Action: Baghdad-based Millions of Trees Association has planted close to a million trees as it works to ease heat, dust and drought risks.

Water Technology: Iraq and Czech companies met in Baghdad to explore investment and knowledge-sharing in desalination, wastewater treatment and smart water systems. Oilfield Infrastructure: Basra Oil Company signed an agreement with ExxonMobil for a seawater project supplying up to 2.5 million barrels of water daily to support oil production, complementing a separate TotalEnergies project. Digital Systems: Iraq launched a vessel traffic management system, while ZTE and Mannai agreed to work together on the country’s digital transformation.

Maritime Technology: Iraq has launched a vessel traffic management system, a step toward modernizing oversight of shipping. Digital Infrastructure: ZTE and Mannai Digital Transformation signed an agreement to explore data centres, cloud platforms and other digital projects in Iraq. Connectivity Risks: Iranian threats to undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt regional internet links, including routes serving Iraq, though the cables carry less than 1% of global international bandwidth. Baghdad Health Research: A study of 76 adults with Crohn’s disease at a Baghdad hospital found higher ustekinumab drug levels were associated with remission; the single-centre results need broader study. Ancient Iraq: Researchers say a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal from Shanidar Cave had a fatal spear wound, adding to evidence about violence and care among Neanderthals.

Maritime Technology: Iraq has launched a vessel-traffic system to track ships in its waters and improve navigation safety and port efficiency. Digital Infrastructure: ZTE and Mannai signed an agreement focused on data centres, cloud platforms and business technology in Iraq. Redington also became a distributor of Lenovo infrastructure servers in the country. Health Research: A Baghdad study found higher levels of a Crohn’s disease treatment were linked to remission among 76 patients, but its small, single-hospital sample limits how broadly the results apply. Biodiversity: A new Kurdistan Region database records more than 2,250 plant and animal species to support conservation research. Science and Heritage: Research on Babylonian school tablets shows students dedicated homework to the god Nabû. Separately, a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal injury from Iraq’s Shanidar Cave is shedding light on both violence and care in early human communities. Agricultural Technology: Iraq’s trade minister reviewed progress on five grain silos being built in five provinces.

Enterprise Tech: Redington will distribute Lenovo’s server portfolio in Iraq, aiming to help local partners build technical capacity and bring enterprise infrastructure to more customers. Digital Risk: Iran’s warning that undersea cables could be targeted puts Iraq’s connectivity in focus: the country’s two active international submarine cable systems cross the Strait of Hormuz. Biodiversity: Kurdistan’s new biodiversity project has catalogued more than 2,250 plant and animal species in an online database designed to support conservation research. Digital Transformation: ZTE has also partnered with Mannai to advance Iraq’s digital transformation.

Digital Transformation: ZTE and Mannai signed an MoU at Iraq’s telecoms and IT expo to pursue cloud, data-center and enterprise technology projects in Iraq. Connectivity Risk: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that seven major undersea cables pass through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for Iraq’s digital links if regional tensions escalate. IT Infrastructure: Redington and Lenovo are expanding their partnership to strengthen Iraq’s IT infrastructure market. Higher Education: Forty-two Iraqi universities were included in the latest QS Arab rankings, highlighting the country’s growing presence in regional higher education.

Digital Infrastructure: ZTE and Mannai Digital Transformation signed an MoU at Iraq’s telecoms and IT exhibition to pursue cloud, data-centre and enterprise technology projects in Iraq. Banking Technology: Finance Minister Falih Al-Sari told Rafidain Bank to resume lending and speed up loan applications, while bank officials outlined plans to automate procedures and upgrade digital systems. Iraqi Research: A study of Neanderthal remains from Shanidar Cave points to both violence and care among people living in Iraq about 75,000 years ago, adding new insight into ancient human life. Higher Education: Forty-two Iraqi universities made the QS Arab rankings, highlighting the country’s expanding presence in regional higher education.

Digital Connectivity: At Baghdad’s OIC summit, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi proposed linking member states’ energy grids, transport networks and digital communications, alongside shared digital payment and trade platforms. AI Policy: Iraq’s proposal for an AI ministry has prompted questions about whether public institutions are ready to use the technology. Critical Infrastructure: A report warned that threats to undersea cables could put Iraq’s internet connectivity at risk. IT Investment: Redington and Lenovo ISG announced a partnership aimed at strengthening Iraq’s IT infrastructure market. Archaeology: A new study of a 75,000-year-old Shanidar Cave Neanderthal in Iraq suggests a fatal spear wound; healed injuries on the remains also point to care for the injured. Environmental Progress: An Iraqi official said the country is nearing radioactive-contamination-free status.

Digital Connectivity: At the OIC meeting in Baghdad, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi proposed linking member states’ digital communications and creating shared payment and trade platforms. Archaeology: A new study of a 75,000-year-old Shanidar Cave skeleton in Iraq found a likely fatal spear wound, while healed injuries suggest the Neanderthal had received care. Water Technology: Iraq and the Czech Republic are pursuing cooperation on water management, irrigation, modern technology and water-harvesting dams to address shortages and climate pressures. Auto Tech: China’s FAW shipped 1,600 Hongqi SUVs to Iraq, part of its push to expand in the local market.

Iraqi Science: A 75,000-year-old skeleton from Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan bears a shoulder wound researchers say was likely caused by a wooden spear. Other healed injuries suggest the Neanderthal may have received care from others. Digital Connectivity: At an OIC meeting in Baghdad, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi proposed linking member states through digital communications, payment systems and trade platforms. Water Technology: Iraq and the Czech Republic are seeking partnerships on water management, irrigation, modern technology and water-harvesting dams to address shortages and climate change. AI Policy: Iraq has floated creating an AI ministry, but a recent report warns that public institutions are not ready to use the technology. Higher Education: Forty-two Iraqi universities made the QS Arab University Rankings 2027.