Iraq’s Ministry of Planning Announces Decline in Poverty Rate and Prepares New 2026–2030 Strategy

AFP

A photo from one of Iraq's market places.

Iraq’s Ministry of Planning announced a notable decline in the national poverty rate compared with previous years, confirming that preparations are under way for the launch of the 2026–2030 Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Ministry spokesperson Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi said: “Poverty rates in Iraq have witnessed a clear decrease during the current year, 2025, as a result of a series of government policies and measures implemented under the Poverty Reduction Strategy.”

According to al-Hindawi, the latest survey carried out by the Ministry of Planning, through the Central Statistical Organisation, shows that the poverty rate has fallen to approximately 17%, down from 23% in 2022. He attributed this progress directly to measures introduced within the framework of the government’s poverty reduction efforts.

He noted that the decline was driven by strengthened food security—including the provision of food basket items via the ration card system—expanded coverage under the social safety net, and the implementation of economic empowerment programmes that enabled many beneficiaries to secure employment in state institutions.

The strategy has also included lump-sum financial grants for families with school-aged children to prevent dropout and ensure continued education, alongside enhanced healthcare support for vulnerable groups, and the completion of hospital projects in the country’s poorest areas.

Al-Hindawi further highlighted the impact of the Fund for Supporting the Poorest Areas, which has executed service projects across several governorates in recent years. In addition, the Social Development Fund, affiliated with the Ministry of Planning, has successfully delivered hundreds of projects in more than 500 villages nationwide—ranging from the construction of schools and health centres to extending water and electricity networks and paving key roads.

He reaffirmed that the Ministry of Planning is pressing ahead with preparations for the 2026–2030 Poverty Reduction Strategy, which will build on the successful elements of previous programmes to achieve national targets for reducing poverty and advancing sustainable development.



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