Cover
Volume 7, Special Issue 5 (2026)

Published: September 30, 2026

Pages: 355-364

Research Article

The digital economy and the reproduction of poverty in Iraq: An analytical study for the period 2016–2024

Abstract

one of the main drivers of economic growth and economic development. Iraq has experienced a noticeable expansion in the manifestations of the digital economy after 2016, represented by the spread of internet services, electronic payment e-commerce, and freelance platforms, in addition to the government’s adoption of digital transformation programs within its economic reform plans. The study used the descriptive-analytical approach to identify the main foundations and indicators of the digital economy, determine Iraq’s position in the digital economy as well as evaluate the impact of the digital economy on poverty indicators and economic inequality. The study concluded that digital transformation, despite its role in increasing the level of production and productivity has coincided with the persistence of poverty and unemployment rates, and even the increase in economic vulnerability among some groups, which poses major challenges regarding the ability of the digital economy to achieve economic justice and financial inclusion.

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