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Opinion Article

From Amsterdam to Baghdad: Why Iraq’s digital future is closer

than ever

By Ahmed Kadhum, Chief Investments Officer of Qi Group

04 August 2026 - Today, discussions at the world's leading fintech conferences have moved

beyond digital payments. At Money20/20 Europe 2026 in Amsterdam, conversations revolved
around a clear shift in the sector’s priorities. The focus has shifted toward building

interconnected digital ecosystems that integrate financial services, commerce, education,
government services, and artificial intelligence within a unified framework. This convergence

is transforming daily life, while fundamentally reshaping the broader financial landscape. For
emerging economies, it offers substantial opportunities to create more agile and connected

economic models.

This raises a fundamental question: Where does Iraq stand in this global
transformation?

Iraq is increasingly well positioned for digital transformation, thanks to several key strengths.

A young population is driving the demand for technology, while government institutions
continue to make steady progress in advancing their digital transformation initiatives. These

factors provide Iraq with a unique opportunity not only to keep pace with the changes
happening across the globe, but also to leapfrog conventional stages of development that

other economies have had to navigate and establish itself as a forward-looking model for
digital innovation.

Payments: the beginning, not the end

Experiences from around the world demonstrate that even the most routine digital transaction

can become the foundation of a direct and meaningful relationship between citizens and the
services they depend on. It can save retirees valuable time, help small businesses expand

efficiently, empower individuals to manage their finances confidently, and equip government
institutions with clearer and more effective tools to deliver services. These everyday

experiences reinforce a fundamental truth: digital transformation is driven by people’s needs