Iraq's Largest Digital Transformation Summit ‘DTI Youth’ Paves Way for National Digital Development
Press Release
Baghdad, Iraq
July 21, 2024 -
The Digital Transformation Initiative Youth (DTI Youth), Iraq's largest event for tech and digital transformation, concluded successfully, bringing together young Iraqi talents and global experts to foster innovation and digital development. Organized by KAPITA Business Hub, in collaboration with Sippar for Digital Economic and Sustainable Development, and under the patronage of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), the summit highlighted Iraq's strides towards digital transformation.
The summit started with a series of keynote speeches and opening remarks by various key entities in digital development. Dr. Mazin Al-Hakim, President of Sippar, kicked off the event by emphasizing the pivotal role of digital transformation in driving Iraq’s economic growth. He highlighted the potential of technological advancements to empower the youth, create job opportunities, and boost the national economy.
Following him, Mr. Mujahed Waisi, Founder and CEO of KAPITA Business Hub, underscored KAPITA’s central role in organizing the event and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iraqi entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation and business development.
Representatives from government entities also shared their visions and initiatives. Dr. Ali Al-Muayad, CEO of the Communications and Media Commission, spoke about the collaborative efforts to enhance Iraq’s digital landscape. In his statement, Al-Muayad announced the monumental Digital Transformation Initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KAPITA and the CMC, which was signed and formalized during the Summit. This initiative marks a new phase in Iraq's digital development journey, driven by the government's excellent focus on fostering a digital transformation environment. The MOU encompasses the launch of a National Digital Transformation Initiative, which will continue until the end of the year. It includes educational content and awareness programs on digital transformation targeting various segments of the Iraqi population, with the aim of enhancing digital literacy across the nation. The agreement also entails close cooperation in policy and research areas related to digital transformation.
Mr. Jamal Al-Muhammadawy, Representative of the President of the Republic of Iraq, discussed the strategic importance of digital initiatives for national development, emphasizing the government’s support for such transformative projects and their potential to propel Iraq into a new era of technological and economic advancement.
Strategic partners also took the stage to share their contributions and initiatives. Mr. Saman Bojan, General Manager at Asiacell Telecommunications, underscored Asiacell’s commitment to supporting digital transformation in Iraq. Dr. Alaa Jassim, CEO of Earthlink Telecommunications and President of FCC MENA, highlighted Earthlink’s efforts in advancing Iraq’s digital infrastructure, focusing on fiber optics and other technological improvements. Lastly, Mr. Ali Muneem, CEO of Qi discussed Qi’s role in promoting digital financial services, stressing the importance of fintech in modernizing Iraq’s economy and providing secure, efficient financial solutions to its citizens.
Prof. Dr. Peter A. Bruck, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the World Summit Awards (WSA) in eContent and Creativity, operating under the framework of the United Nations, contributed to the summit through a recorded video message. In his address, he explored digital innovation across continents like Africa and Oceania, urging the youth of the Arab World to harness digital tools for development and progress.
The summit spanned two days, featuring a variety of activities designed to address different aspects of digital transformation and innovation. Day one focused on verticals such as infrastructure and connectivity, fintech, and global trends. Mr. Dilshad Othman, a senior cybersecurity engineer at Amazon, presented a recorded video from Washington discussing the energy challenges accompanying digital transformation.
Mr. Yad Rashid, Founder & CEO of Avesta, highlighted Microsoft Solutions and the use of artificial intelligence in business.
In the fintech vertical, Ms. Safa Salwan, Vice President of Strategic Investments at JPMorgan Chase & Co. spoke about investments, growth opportunities, and development in financial services technology for the Middle East.
The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring Osama Manzar, founder and director of the Digital Empowerment Foundation in Hyderabad, India, Carolina Rossi, Head of Network and Strategic Initiatives at the ESNA Foundation in Portugal, and Savo Bakhtiar, Regional Director of Five One Labs in Sulaymaniyah. They discussed global digital transformation trends and their contributions to the economy.
On day two, the summit continued with new themes. Each vertical featured expert speakers and panel discussions, offering deep dives into crucial topics such as the growth of the gig economy, the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding digital infrastructures, emerging digital sectors such as gaming, smart homes, and agritech, and the evolving landscape of media and content creation.
Professor Terry Singh, CEO of DK AI Lab, highlighted the applications of artificial intelligence in digital transformation and its impact on various aspects of daily life and the economy. These sessions aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
After a prolonged period of political and civil unrest and economic stagnation, Iraq is now making significant strides in economic development and private sector growth. Leading this resurgence are digital innovations, supported by government initiatives and increasing public interest, along with the expansion of digital services. Iraq is experiencing a tech boom that has the potential to transform the nation into an active participant in the global economy and a fertile ground for investment. The DTI Youth Summit marked a historic milestone in Iraq’s development, symbolizing the dawn of a new era of national progress.
About KAPITA Business Hub: KAPITA Business Hub is a pioneering institution committed to fostering and advancing the Iraqi business landscape and private sector. Through a range of investment programs, KAPITA supports small and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with the financial backing necessary for growth. In addition, KAPITA offers vital research and data to help entrepreneurs make informed, strategic decisions. KAPITA also operates incubator and accelerator programs for startups and SMEs, alongside market development initiatives that enable businesses to expand and achieve sustainable growth. Moreover, KAPITA plays a crucial role in developing Iraq's legal infrastructure by reviewing policies and forging strategic partnerships with government entities and leading companies, all aimed at propelling the Iraqi private sector forward.