Iraq Achieves Historical Growth on the International Telecommunication Development Index

Iraq has made a significant leap forward on the International Telecommunication Development Index (IDI), a key global measure for digital progress. The country's score climbed from 69.5 in 2023 to 78.4 in 2025.

This growth reflects a major expansion of Iraq's telecom infrastructure, a clear improvement in internet quality, and a growing embrace of digital services across business and government sectors. The high score also shows that Iraq is moving closer to achieving universal, meaningful connectivity for its citizens.

According to official sources, this progress is the result of several strategic decisions, most notably the government's focus on modernizing its telecom and internet networks. In recent years, the ministry has launched new fiber optic projects and upgraded mobile networks with the latest technology. By the end of 2024, a remarkable 82.9% of Iraq's population was using the internet.

The sources also point to the widespread adoption of digital services, driven by both government and private sector initiatives to meet the needs of people and businesses. This includes the proliferation of e-government services, digital payment apps, mobile banking, and local e-commerce platforms.

A breakdown of the IDI data for 2025 reveals that Iraq performed well in mobile connectivity (72/100) and network coverage (80/100), demonstrating a strong rollout of mobile and wireless internet services.

Despite this development, there is a significant gap between urban and rural areas. While major cities enjoy advanced internet infrastructure, many rural communities still lack high-quality connectivity. Data shows that roughly 85% of urban Iraqis use the internet, compared to just 65% in rural areas.

There is also a noticeable infrastructure gap (29/100), particularly concerning fiber optics (16/100) and access to it. This limits the ability to deliver fast, stable internet speeds nationwide.

Overall, Iraq's remarkable progress on the IDI is a bright sign for its digital future. It proves that with clear vision and determination, the country can rapidly improve its technology sector.

With its enhanced technical infrastructure and wider access to digital services, Iraq now has a solid foundation to launch large-scale digital transformation projects in both the public and private sectors. This improved connectivity will help diversify the country's oil-dependent economy by cultivating new digital industries and attracting tech and telecommunication investments.

Ultimately, the IDI score is more than just a number; it represents tangible changes in people's daily lives. It signifies easier access to the internet and online education, the ability for entrepreneurs to launch digital startups and reach new markets, and a more efficient government through e-services.

Development experts agree that improving connectivity boosts overall economic growth, as advances in the telecom sector positively impact all other industries by increasing productivity, simplifying business, and attracting modern technology.