Iraq Cabinet to Consider National Poverty Reduction Strategy (2025-2029)

The Permanent Technical Committee for Poverty Reduction Policies, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning Dr Mohammed Ali Tamim, has approved Iraq's third national poverty reduction strategy, covering the years 2025 to 2029.

Dr Tamim described progress made during the previous phase as positive, with poverty rates falling from 30% in 2021 to 17.5% in 2024, and unemployment declining to 13.5%. He emphasised that the new strategy reflects a national and moral commitment to vulnerable groups and aims to strengthen sustainable development and social justice.

The strategy targets a reduction in poverty to below 10% by the end of 2029. However, Dr Tamim warned of existing challenges, particularly climate change, which has caused widespread rural-to-urban migration, the disappearance of villages, and the expansion of informal settlements, adversely affecting public services.

The strategy is based on human rights, sustainable development, social justice, and protection principles. It includes 7 core outcomes and 38 operational activities, informed by Iraq's 2023 household social survey and national census data.

The final strategy will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for formal approval, with implementation planned over the next five years.