An overview of Iraq’s new National Development Plan

The much-awaited National Development Plan (NDP) 2024–28 was finally launched on August 3 after months of delays. This is the fourth iteration of the NDP, which was first launched in 2010 and is intended to elaborate on Iraq’s development challenges and goals for the next five years.

The NDP was produced by the Ministry of Planning in collaboration with UNDP and with the support of USAID. It claims to adopt an “innovative development approach” that incorporates the Iraq Vision 2030 with other sectoral strategies and aligns with the Government Program.

Development in Times of Uncertainty

The NDP asserts that Iraq’s development challenges come at a critical juncture marked by political, economic, and social challenges exacerbated by global uncertainties. It highlights what it describes as “alarming population growth” and its implications for the labor market and unemployment, emphasizing that addressing these demographic challenges is crucial for the country's targeted growth rates.

The plan also acknowledges the impact of global instability, including environmental degradation, violent conflicts, and technological misuse, on human security and development paths. It stresses the need for innovative policies and programs to respond effectively to these challenges.

Objectives and Priorities

The NDP covers four broad areas of development:

• Economic Diversification

A primary goal is diversifying Iraq's economy to reduce its dependency on oil. This involves enhancing the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP through partnerships with the private sector and creating a conducive environment for business and investment.