Department of Media and Information

The Department of Media and Information is responsible for ensuring effective communication about the activities of the Kurdistan Regional Government to citizens, local and international media, and other stakeholders.

Publications

Activities

Ninth Cabinet: Statistical Report on Projects and Achievements (No.2) - September 2025

Kurdistan Regional Government

Ninth Cabinet: Statistical Report on Projects
and Achievements

Produced by: Department of Media and Information

2025

Kurdistan Regional Government – Ninth Cabinet: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

With the inauguration of the Ninth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the government was immediately confronted with a series of profound challenges - including the COVID-19 pandemic, plummeting oil prices, severe economic pressures, and both domestic and international political obstacles.

Despite these circumstances, under the clear and purposeful leadership of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and through the dedication of government institutions, the KRG not only navigated these crises but also achieved significant strategic accomplishments for the people of the Kurdistan Region.

Through the steadfast implementation of the Ninth Cabinet’s agenda, combined with the ongoing efforts of Prime Minister Barzani, the government initiated a major turnaround in strategic projects, laying a new foundation for infrastructure development and long-term growth in the Kurdistan Region.

The policies of the Ninth Cabinet are guided by several key principles designed to foster prosperity and improve public services across all sectors.

At the first level, the government has taken substantial measures to enhance the quality of essential services, including healthcare, education, and other basic needs.

At the second level, priority has been placed on strengthening economic infrastructure and implementing strategic projects. These include the construction of dams, ponds, and silos; major road and transport initiatives; governance reforms; and the digitisation of banking services through the My Account (“Hazhmary Mn”) project. Other key initiatives include the provision of uninterrupted, 24-hour electricity through the Runaki (“Light”) project, efforts to diversify revenue sources, and the digitalisation of government services.

In line with its commitment to transparency and the public interest, the Department of Media and Information at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers remains dedicated to ensuring the availability of accurate, comprehensive, and timely information on the Ninth Cabinet’s projects, initiatives, and achievements, thereby promoting informed engagement among the public, researchers, and journalists.Water Security

Water security has been a strategic priority for the Ninth Cabinet. To achieve this, the government has implemented a series of projects, including the construction of ponds, dams, waterways, and sewerage systems across the Kurdistan Region. These initiatives aim not only to guarantee safe and clean water for citizens, but also to mitigate drought, boost agricultural productivity, support livestock, and strengthen the Region’s long-term water infrastructure.

Dams
#	Project Name	Cost (IQD billion)	Capacity (million cubic metres)
1	Dwin	88	100
2	Gomaspan	95	97
3	Dewana	26.6	21
4	Bastura	23	20
5	Khans	9.2	7
6	Akwban	8.1	2.6
7	Turajar	5.8	2
8	Shawger	5.6	2
9	Chamrga	4.4	1.2
Total		IQD 265.7	252.8

Ponds
Pond Status	Number of Ponds
Existing ponds before 9th Cabinet	97
Ponds constructed during 9th Cabinet	23
Ponds currently under construction	58

Water Supply and Sewerage System

Project Name

Cost (IQD billion)

Delivery Capacity (m³)

Completion Status

Erbil Water Supply Emergency Project

720

480,000

The first phase has been completed, and the second phase is currently underway.

Qushtapa Water Project

222

72,000

65%

Goptapa-Chamchamal Water Project

101

60,000

Under implementation

Fayda-Duhok Water Supply Project

72,000

completed

Akre Water Supply Project

41.1

72,000

55%

Ranya-Chwarqurna-Hajiawa Water Project

36.7

72,000

70%

Darbandikhan Water project

24,000

58%

Total

852,000

Pirmam and Surrounding Areas Water Project

34.7

9,600

completed

Water Supply & Installation Project for 51 Villages in Barzan

30.1

24,000

85%

Erbil Water Network Project

411 km

100%

Food Security and Industry

Food security and industrial development have been key priorities of the Ninth Cabinet. To advance these goals, the government has implemented a wide range of projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure and supporting domestic production. These initiatives include the establishment of silos, factories, licensed companies, plastic greenhouses, and cold storage facilities — all designed to enhance self-sufficiency, stimulate local markets, and ensure sustainable growth for the Kurdistan Region.

Silos
Governorate	Cost (IQD billion)	Storage Capacity
Erbil	21	40,000 tonnes
Slemani	20	40,000 tonnes
Duhok	17	40,000 tonnes
Halabja	26	40,000 tonnes
Total	IQD 84 Billion	160,000 tonnes

Silos to be Constructed

Duhok

Harir

Kifri

Koya

Zakho

Agricultural Projects and Enterprises under the Ninth Cabinet	Quantity
Companies licensed	11,105
Cold storage facilities constructed	319
Plastic greenhouses constructed	30,000
Factories granted operating licenses	1,257

Agricultural investment in the Kurdistan Region grew significantly, rising from 1.8% to 10%. During this period, farmers successfully exported hundreds of thousands of tonnes of produce to Southern Iraq.

For the first time, tens of thousands of tonnes of Kurdish produce were also exported to the Gulf and other international markets.

The exported products included rice, sumac, tahini, pomegranates, honey, apples, mushrooms, potatoes, and a wide variety of other goods.

Road and Street Infrastructure

Enhancing road infrastructure has been a central focus of the Ninth Cabinet, with the aim of strengthening trade, industry, and tourism, while also improving accessibility for citizens and reducing traffic accidents. To achieve these goals, the government has launched a series of strategic projects designed to connect cities, towns, and villages through the development of both intercity and inner-city road networks.

First: Intercity Roads

Project Status	Number of Projects	Cost (IQD trillion)	Road Length (km)
Ongoing / Under-implementation	401	3.28	2,445
Completed	718	1.03	2,681
Total	1,119	4.3	5,126

Governorate/District	Number of Projects	Total cost (IQD)	Length (km)
Erbil	271	2.2 trillion	1,963
Slemani	395	468 billion	1,205
Duhok	127	986 billion	802
Halabja	40	162 billion	162
Soran District	102	94.1 billion	562
Garmyan District	69	227 billion	181
Rapareen District	97	87.2 billion	159
Zakho District	13	60.1 billion	65

Second: Inner-city Projects

Sector / Area	Number of Projects	Total Cost (IQD)
Municipality	2,302	2.90 trillion
Water and Sewerage	2,956	2.20 trillion
Tourism	142	49 billion
Archaeology	15	665 million
Inner-city Roads & Bridges	2,168	2.00 trillion

Total Number of Projects and Costs by Governorates and Districts

Governorate / Admin Unit

Number of Projects

Cost (IQD)

Erbil

2,519

2.77 trillion

Slemani

772

1.43 trillion

Duhok

1,450

608 billion

Halabja

106 billion

Kurdistani Areas Outside the Region

20 billion

Garmyan District

167

66 billion

Rapareen District

212

103 billion

Soran District

144

119 billion

Zakho District

98 billion

Traffic Geometry Initiative	Quantity
Construction of pedestrian overpasses and underpasses	59 structures
Installation of iron fencing along roads and streets	45 km
Road and street surface marking	883 km
Designation of pedestrian crossing points	296 locations
Installation of speed bumps	<1,500 units
Installation of traffic signs	<16,000 units

As part of these initiatives, hundreds of kilometres of crash barriers and road markings have been installed to improve road safety.
Since 2022, the implementation of traffic geometry has been carried out by a dedicated local team, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in road management.

Reform

The implementation of the Reform Act, in line with its provisions, has produced significant outcomes across several key areas. These are detailed below:

Banking Salaries
	Establishment of the National Bank: IQD 250 billion allocated as establishment capital for the National Bank in the Kurdistan Region.
	Expansion of banking access: 900,000 bank accounts opened for public employees under the My Account (Hazhmary Mn) project, promoting financial inclusion and transparency.
Administrative Reforms	Senior officials’ pensions: Records of 1,478 senior and special-rank pensioners reviewed.
	Peshmerga unification: 88,900 Peshmerga personnel deployed across 34 unified brigades, 7 divisions, and 2 mechanised divisions.
	Civil service records: 357,815 civil servants’ records reviewed for accuracy.
	Pension management: 17,805 pension files transferred from the Ministry of Peshmerga to the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
	Financial accountability: 4,189 cases of double payment identified and corrected.
	File reorganisation: 402 cases reorganised to ensure proper record-keeping.
Loan Recovery	Specialised banks: IQD 1.9 trillion recovered from specialised banks, out of an original amount of IQD 4,058,953,686,350.
Loan Recovery	Business loans: IQD 138.6 billion returned in cash and property from total business loans of IQD 408,470,119,927 (excluding bank interest of IQD 662,881,414,490).

Electricity Infrastructure

Expanding and modernising the electricity sector has been a strategic priority of the Ninth Cabinet. During its tenure, numerous power stations were constructed, alongside the development of clean energy and solar projects, with the aim of providing citizens with a reliable 24-hour electricity supply.

As a result of these initiatives, electricity generation has increased by 1,840 megawatts (MW), raising the Kurdistan Region’s total capacity to 4,200 MW.

Power Stations Constructed During this Cabinet's Term
Power Station	Capacity
Bazian Power Station	750 MW
Resumption of Three Stations in Erbil, Slemani, and Duhok	87 MW
Garmian Power Station	165 MW
Deraluk Station	38 MW
Khabat Thermal Power Station	300 MW
Khurmala Power Station	500 MW
Total Installed Capacity	1,840 MW

Electricity Generation
– Thermal Power Station	550 MW
– Clean Energy	500 MW
– Combined Cycle	500 MW
– Waste Gas	290 MW
Total Generation Capacity	1,840 MW
Electricity Distribution Projects	3,503 projects
Electricity Transmission Projects	61 projects

Kurdistan Region Electricity Generation by Energy Source

Runaki (“Light”) Project

The Runaki (“Light”) Project represents one of the Ninth Cabinet’s most ambitious strategic initiatives in the energy sector. Its primary goal is to provide citizens with uninterrupted, 24-hour electricity.

By the end of 2026, the project is expected to deliver continuous power supply across the entire Kurdistan Region, significantly improving quality of life and reducing reliance on private generators.

Runaki (“Light”) Project
Number of citizens provided with 24-hour electricity	4,000,000+
Number of neighbourhoods provided with 24-hour electricity	838,000+
Number of [private] diesel generators shut down	3,222+
Number of businesses provided with 24-hour electricity	116,000+
KRG subsidies for citizens	50%, 25%, and 15%

Runaki Project Benefits:

Uninterrupted electricity supply
Environmental protection
Reduced energy costs
Stable voltage, ensuring the safety of electrical devices

Implementation Progress: 50% complete

Registration Progress: 48% complete

My Account (Hazhmary Mn)

The My Account (Hazhmary Mn) project has been a cornerstone of the Ninth Cabinet’s economic reforms, aimed at strengthening financial infrastructure and advancing digital transformation in the Kurdistan Region. By establishing a comprehensive digital banking system, the initiative enhances transparency, promotes financial inclusion, and modernises salary distribution for public employees.

A total of 900,600 employees have registered:

Erbil: 401,815
Slemani: 278,630
Duhok: 220,155

ATMs installed: 440+

Erbil: 226
Slemani: 33
Duhok : 145

Bank cards issued: 517,000

Beneficiaries receiving salaries: 465,000+

Registered Banks
All banks are authorised by the Central Bank of Iraq, including:

Cihan Bank
Region Trade (RT) Bank
Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries (BBAC)
National Bank of Iraq (NBI)
Bank of Baghdad
Islamic Bank of Iraq (IIB)
Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI)

“My Account” Benefits:

Enhanced financial security
Valid for use worldwide
Digitised salary processing
Bank accounts created for public employees
Transparent banking infrastructure
Easy access to a full range of banking services

Investment

With the backing of the government, $24 billion has been invested across various sectors

Sector	Number of Projects	Capital (in USD)
Tourism	80	$7,555,305,348
Housing	62	$5,030,935,399
Industrial	149	$3,911,649,448
Trade	154	$1,265,564,486
Agriculture	24	$595,901,101
Education	53	$440,482,250
Health	35	$372,221,109
Sport	15	$134,939,957
Art	3	$76,355,538
Banking	2	$19,415,000
Service	8	$100,448,006
Joint & Foreign	11	$5,154,853,521
Total	596	$24.6 billion

Public Services

The Ninth Cabinet has remained firmly committed to delivering essential services to citizens. Its efforts have focused on expanding and improving schools and universities, hospitals, transportation networks, water and electricity supply, and efficient waste management systems.

These initiatives aim to enhance quality of life, strengthen human capital, and ensure sustainable development across the Kurdistan Region.

Electricity Generation: 4,200 MW

State electricity customers: 1,931,648

Clean Water Supply: 1,031,747,055 cubic metres delivered annually

Water customers: 1,076,507

Waste Management: 2.5 million tonnes of rubbish collected and managed each year

Annual cost: IQD 125 billion
New schools built: 214
Additional classrooms: 629
Schools renovated: 2,114
Schools and kindergartens under construction: 43
Out-of-school children now enrolled: 33,300+
Universities established: 2
Colleges, institutes, and scientific faculties established across universities: 21 colleges/institutes and 143 faculties

100% Tuition Fee Waiver

As part of its commitment to supporting education and social justice, the Ninth Cabinet has introduced full tuition fee waivers for eligible students in higher education. The waiver is granted in the following cases:

Awarded to the top three graduates from each university for postgraduate programmes.
Granted to students from public and private universities who are serving sentences in correctional facilities.
Provided to one child of a political prisoner of the former Ba’athist regime.
Offered for parallel and evening studies to students who are relatives of Peshmerga personnel disabled in the line of duty.

Tuition Fee Reductions

In addition to tuition waivers, the Ninth Cabinet has implemented significant fee reductions to ease the financial burden on students and families:

Private universities and institutions: 5%–20% reduction.
Parallel and evening studies: 45% reduction; students from the same family benefit from a 50% reduction.
Private schools (2020): 10%–25% reduction.

Health Services

The Ninth Cabinet has prioritised strengthening the healthcare system and expanding access to essential medical services. Key initiatives and achievements include:

Eligibility Fund: Establishment of a dedicated fund to support services for individuals with special needs.
Hospitals: 67 hospitals currently operating across the Kurdistan Region.
Specialised health centres: 31 centres providing advanced medical care.
Cancer treatment: 8 cancer hospitals and centres (including 2 under construction).
Laboratory and imaging services: Over 56 million laboratory and imaging tests conducted.
Medicine distribution: Introduction of a sticker-based system to streamline the distribution and sale of medicines in the market.
Thalassaemia care: Provision of free medical treatment and health services at the specialised Thalassaemia hospital.

Digital Infrastructure

In line with global advancements in digital transformation, the Ninth Cabinet has made digitisation a strategic priority. Significant steps have been taken to modernise government services, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen the banking sector through comprehensive digital solutions. These efforts aim to enhance efficiency, increase transparency, and expand citizen access to essential services across the Kurdistan Region.

26+ Digital systems

Digitising Government Operations

Project Name

Project Details

KRDPass

KRDPass is a secure digital identity application that uses biometric verification to authenticate users and provide access to essential government services. The system enhances security, protects personal data, and simplifies access to a wide range of digital services in the Kurdistan Region.

Hajj Portal

An integrated system that allows citizens to apply for the Hajj pilgrimage and facilitates the auditing and lottery processes.

Document Management system

An official platform for managing government documents and streamlining their exchange digitally between government institutions.

Runaki Project System

The Runaki Project System is a digital platform that provides citizens with up-to-date information on electricity services. It enhances transparency, improves public access to energy data, and supports the Ninth Cabinet’s broader commitment to delivering reliable 24-hour electricity across the Kurdistan Region.

Payroll Management System

The Payroll Management System is a digital platform developed to manage the salaries of KRG employees. It streamlines payroll processes, reduces administrative errors, and enhances transparency in salary distribution, contributing to greater efficiency and accountability within public sector operations.

“My Account” (Hazhmary Mn)

The My Account (Hazhmary Mn) initiative is a flagship reform project designed to promote financial inclusion through the digitisation of public sector salaries. By modernising salary distribution, the project enhances transparency, improves financial security, and provides citizens with broader access to banking services across the Kurdistan Region.

Citizen Complaint System

The Citizen Complaint System is a digital platform that allows the public to submit concerns, complaints, and feedback directly to government institutions. It enhances accountability, strengthens citizen engagement, and ensures that public voices are heard in the policymaking and service delivery process.

Business
Registration System

The Business Registration System is an online portal that enables entrepreneurs to register and manage trade names, companies, and professional activities. It streamlines procedures, reduces bureaucracy, and promotes a more business-friendly environment in the Kurdistan Region.

Ministry of Education’s Digital Systems

The Ministry of Education has developed a suite of digital platforms to modernise the education sector, improve learning outcomes, and streamline school management. These include:

e-Wane (School): A platform to manage school operations and administration.
e-Halsangandn (Assessment): A digital system for student testing and performance evaluation.
e-Ktebxana (Book): An online library providing access to educational resources and textbooks.
e-Education: A platform supporting digital learning and teaching resources.
e-Xezan (Family): A system designed to strengthen communication between schools and families.
e-Rahenan (Training): A platform for teacher training and professional development.
e-Building: A tool for managing educational infrastructure projects.
e-Badwadachwn (Follow-up): A system for monitoring school performance and progress.
HewreFeerge (Cloud-Learn): A cloud-based platform supporting e-learning and digital collaboration.

Together, these systems aim to advance digital education, expand access to learning resources, and ensure greater efficiency across the education sector in the Kurdistan Region.

e-Visa Portal

The e-Visa Portal is the official platform of the Kurdistan Region for applying for electronic visas and travel authorizations. It streamlines the application process, improves transparency, and facilitates easier entry for visitors and business travelers.

Digital Border Control System

The Digital Border Control System is an integrated platform designed to modernise and secure border management in the Kurdistan Region. Its key components include:

Entry/Exit Management System – streamlines the registration and monitoring of travellers at border crossings.
Guarantor Information Management System – manages and verifies guarantor records for individuals entering the Region.
National Stop List – enhances security by maintaining and enforcing travel restrictions when required.
Visa Management and Issuance – facilitates the processing, approval, and issuance of visas, ensuring efficiency and compliance with border regulations.

Together, these systems strengthen border security, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with international standards.

Administrative Units System

This system manages information and oversees the organizational structure of KRG administrative units.

The Accounting Unit Management System

This system enables efficient management of information and oversight of the organizational structure within KRG accounting units.

Kurdistan Financial Management System (KFMS)

The Kurdistan Financial Management System (KFMS) is a digital platform designed to manage and monitor the expenditures of all KRG institutions. By centralising financial oversight, the system enhances transparency, strengthens accountability, and improves the efficiency of public financial management across the Kurdistan Region.

Information Update System

A dedicated platform for all media directorates of government institutions to submit their data and updates directly to the official government portal.

KRG Portal (GOV.KRD)

The GOV.KRD portal is the official website of the Kurdistan Regional Government. It serves as a central platform for accessing government information, services, and digital resources, enhancing transparency and improving communication between the government and citizens.

Population Information Systems

The Population Information Systems form part of the Kurdistan Region’s digital governance framework, designed to strengthen identity management and public services. They consist of two core components:

Digital Identity: A system for securely verifying and managing citizens’ identities.
Digital Recognition: A platform that supports accurate population data and facilitates access to government services.

Together, these systems enhance service delivery, improve data reliability, and provide the foundation for digital transformation across multiple sectors.

KRD Top-Level Domain

The .krd top-level domain (TLD) represents the people and identity of Kurdistan in the digital world. It strengthens the Region’s online presence, promotes digital branding, and provides a distinct digital identity for institutions, businesses, and individuals across the Kurdistan Region.

Jobs Portal

The Jobs Portal is an online platform that connects employers with job seekers. It allows businesses to post vacancies and enables applicants to find positions that match their skills and experience. The system promotes transparency in the labour market, supports workforce development, and expands employment opportunities across the Kurdistan Region.

KRG Data Centre

The KRG Data Centre is a centralised hub for the secure collection, management, and delivery of digital government services. It underpins the Region’s digital infrastructure by ensuring data security, improving efficiency, and enabling the seamless operation of e-government platforms.

Job Creation:

Job creation has been a central pillar of the Ninth Cabinet’s economic agenda. By introducing new regulatory guidelines and fostering a favourable legal environment, the government has laid a strong foundation to boost employment and strengthen economic security. These measures have encouraged both domestic and foreign investment, generating sustainable jobs and expanding opportunities for citizens across the Kurdistan Region.

Key achievements include:

140,000 jobs created through new investments.
500 contract employees hired in Halabja Governorate (2024)
4,925 top graduates employed, university and institute graduates issued employment directives (academic years 2016–2017 to 2021–2022).
38,000 non-contracted teachers awarded contracts in 2024.
18,000 jobs have been created through newly established industrial factories.
9,718 individuals benefited from vocational training programmes, and 1,407 inmates participated in correctional facility workshops.
779 graduates from six public medical colleges employed.
8,136 young people received interest-free microloans of up to IQD 15,000,000 from the Youth Small Projects Support Fund.
IQD 2.76 billion allocated to support 25 small and medium-sized enterprises through interest-free, long-term loans under the Gashanawa (Shine) Project.
3,800 previously non-contracted lecturers have been granted formal contracts in the higher education sector.
116,000 local and foreign workers were newly enrolled in the social security and pensions scheme, bringing the total to 205,000.
29,000 new projects registered under social security, increasing the total to 57,500.

Society and Government:

Rights and Liberties: The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) approved the Kurdistan Region Human Rights Act (2021–2025), alongside the implementation of several related recommendations.

Coexistence: The Kurdistan Region is home to eight official religious communities. During this cabinet’s tenure, 489 religious sites have been established, reflecting the government’s commitment to religious diversity and peaceful coexistence.

Media: The Region maintains a vibrant and diverse media landscape, with 128 local channels, 30 satellite channels, 179 radio stations, 149 websites, and 1,017 newspapers and magazines operating freely.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): A total of 5,786 local and foreign NGOs are registered in the Kurdistan Region and have been enabled to work across various sectors.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Refugees: The government allocated $803 million in humanitarian assistance to support 858,578 IDPs and refugees residing in 27 camps across the Kurdistan Region.

Administrative Units: For the convenience of citizens, new administrative structures have been established, including:

2 self-administration districts (Soran and Zakho)
12 districts
9 subdistricts
More than 71 departments and service directorates

The Kurdistan Region’s Position in the World

The Ninth Cabinet has worked to strengthen the Kurdistan Region’s role and visibility on the global stage. This has been achieved through the establishment of new diplomatic representations, active participation in international conferences, and consistent engagement with regional and global partners. These efforts have promoted the Region’s peaceful intentions and positioned it as a constructive contributor to broader solution processes in the Middle East and beyond.

KRG Representative Offices Abroad:

Consulates and International Offices in the Kurdistan Region

Americas

United States
Canada

Europe

Middle East and North Africa

Asia-Pacific

International Organisations

United Nations
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

Environment

Protecting the environment has been a strategic priority of the Ninth Cabinet. Key initiatives have included conducting climate assessments, expanding green spaces, and improving overall environmental cleanliness. These efforts are designed to promote sustainability, enhance public health, and safeguard the Kurdistan Region’s natural resources for future generations.

4 air quality monitoring stations established
34 million metres of firebreaks created
147,000+ mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) defused
11.4 million square metres of land cleared of mines in the Kurdistan Region
2,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt produced daily
52 minefields cleared
25% of land designated for industrial projects allocated for green spaces

Green space coverage rose from 15% to 18%

Erbil Orbital Green Belt

The Erbil Orbital Green Belt Project has been launched as a major environmental initiative to expand green space and improve ecological balance around the capital. The project spans two kilometres in width, encircling the city just beyond the 150-metre Ring Road.

Planting 7 million pistachio and olive trees
Constructing 10 water retention ponds
Removing an estimated 140,000–210,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually

Expected benefits of the project include:

Expanding green space across Erbil
Improving air quality
Reducing urban temperatures
Combating desertification
Enhancing public health and overall quality of life
Creating job opportunities
Reducing dust haze
Supporting local agricultural production

“We don’t just make promises; we fulfil them”

Masrour Barzani

Ninth Cabinet: Statistical Report on Projects and Achievements (No.2) - September 2025

Implementation Status of the Kurdistan Regional Government Ninth Cabinet's Agenda

IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT NINTH CABINET’S AGENDA

(2019–2025)

Kurdistan Regional Government

Department of Media and Information
November 2025

IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT NINTH CABINET’S AGENDA

Since its inauguration, the Ninth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has pursued a comprehensive programme of reform and modernisation aimed at improving governance, strengthening the rule of law, enhancing service delivery, and diversifying the economy.
This report outlines the key achievements and measures implemented from 2019 to 2025 across major sectors, reflecting the Cabinet’s sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional effectiveness.

The initiatives detailed herein are organised into seven principal domains of action:

Reform and Governance

Service Delivery

Relations with the Federal Government of Iraq

Freedom, Democracy, and Coexistence

Regional and International Relations

Economic and Financial Reform

Administrative Development

1. On the Level of Reform

First: We will improve the condition and regulation of the public sector, including the training and regulation of civil servants, retirement provisions, and official working hours. We will take legal action against any breaches in the public sector.

The Reform Act was enacted, accompanied by three comprehensive reports. The “My Account” system and the Payroll Management System were successfully established to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Second: We will work to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and improve the services provided to citizens by public institutions. We will work to make institutions serve the public’s best interests; in particular we will develop digital services as soon as possible.

Dozens of administrative systems have been digitised, including:

Business Registration System – Online registration for trade names, companies, and professional activities, promoting a business-friendly environment.

Payroll Management System – Automates salary processing for KRG employees, minimising errors and increasing accountability.

Kurdistan Financial Management System (KFMS) – Monitors expenditure across all KRG institutions.

KRDPASS – A secure digital identity platform using biometric verification to access government services.

Citizen Complaint System – Enables direct public feedback and complaints to strengthen accountability and citizen engagement.

Several ministries have also introduced digital tracking systems for official documents accessible to citizens, while a comprehensive records-management platform is in its final development stage.

Third: We will prevent government officials from exploiting their official influence or positions for their own gain. In accordance with the laws of the Kurdistan region, officials are not permitted to trade or invest, and violations of this law will be prosecuted.

The Integrity Commission and the Board of Supreme Audit have exercised their oversight duties diligently. The latest Integrity Commission report has been published and made publicly available, reinforcing transparency and accountability.

Fourth: We will prevent the waste and mismanagement of public wealth.

The Council of Ministers suspended all government-funded delegations and official trips. A comprehensive delegations database, managed by the Department of Foreign Relations, ensures monitoring and compliance.

Fifth: We will combat all forms of financial and administrative corruption, safeguard public wealth from waste, and protect the region’s property from misuse.

To combat corruption and protect public assets, the Integrity Commission’s Strategic Plan was approved by Council of Ministers Decision No. 116. Dozens of state-owned properties have since been recovered and returned to public ownership.

Sixth: We will reform the health, medical and food sectors to meet international standards.

The relevant departments introduced a medicine-sticker system aligned with international standards, now applied across all pharmacies. The planned Food and Drug Board will enhance quality and pricing oversight. Health insurance has been extended to the Ministry of Peshmerga, with expansion to the general public underway.

Seventh: We will reform the tax system ensuring impartial implementation.

Procedures have been reorganised, and unnecessary exemptions revoked. Large taxpayers now contribute approximately 70% of total tax revenue.

Eighth: To prevent monopolies and promote fair competition, we will prevent the formation of monopolies, and work to provide and promote a framework for fair trade competition.

Business registration systems have been fully digitised, and a single-window policy implemented. Transparency in tenders has improved, and corporate-tax guidelines reorganised to create a more equitable business environment.

Ninth: Supporting the Kurdistan Parliament’s oversight role, we will support the parliament’s monitoring function; we will abide by every monitoring procedure in accordance with our internal laws and governmental regulations. Furthermore we will respect the parliamentary opposition in accordance with these same laws.

KRG ministers attended 123 sessions and 307 committee meetings over five years, responding to 1,027 parliamentary questions.

Tenth: We will establish a Pension Fund to provide for retired civil servants as is their right.

Installation and preparatory work are complete, and operations will commence shortly.

Eleventh: In order to strengthen our defence capability, counter risks and enhance the security of the Kurdistan Region, we will review the current mechanisms for re-organising and unifying the Peshmerga forces and internal security forces, in coordination with the Kurdistan region presidency.

A total of 88,900 Peshmerga personnel are deployed across 34 unified brigades, 7 divisions, and 2 mechanised divisions under the Ministry of Peshmerga.

Guard units within the Ministry of Interior have been consolidated, and Zerevani, Defence, and Emergency forces reorganised. Administrative measures included transferring records for 17,859 pensioners to the Ministry of Finance and Economy, 166 cases to the Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs, and reviewing 1,478 senior personnel files.

Twelfth: We are determined to ensure that no one is above the law, and to respect the judiciary of the Kurdistan region. No one will be allowed to evade justice because of their social standing or political affiliation; furthermore, we will work to eliminate the spread of weapons and firearms among communities.

interference has been prevented, and judges empowered to act independently. The Weapons Law has been enacted to control unlicensed weapons.

Furthermore, Council of Ministers Decision No. 110 regulating SIM-card sales has enhanced transparency and traceability, contributing to crime reduction.

2. At the Level of Services

First: To improve public health and patient rights we will work to enhance the public health sector, and to deliver a better-quality health service to the people. In addition, we will work to enact a health insurance system across the Kurdistan region.

Law No. 4 of 2020 on patients’ rights and duties was enacted, and health-insurance implementation began with the Peshmerga forces.

Second: We will work to find a fundamental solution to the issue of electricity supply: increasing production rates, decreasing electrical misuse or waste, and systematically distributing power in a technologically advanced manner.

The Runaki (“Light”) Project was launched to address the electricity challenge by increasing production, reducing waste, ensuring fair distribution, and establishing equitable pricing for 24-hour electricity.

Third: We will work to increase educational teaching standards in the public sector. We will aim to attract local and international investors into the sector, helping to fund the building of new schools where they are needed.

Numerous schools have been constructed or renovated, and thousands of out-of-school children reintegrated. The Ministry of Education’s systems have been digitised, and curricula updated. Two key laws were enacted:

Law on the Council for the Trust of Education and Higher Education Institutions and Programmes, and.

Law No. 13 of 2022 on Education and Training.

Fourth: We will work improve and rationalise the use of groundwater in order to raise the quality of public drinking water, while reducing the depletion rates of underground water sources.

To secure clean water and limit groundwater depletion, the KRG has built dams, ponds, and major water projects, closed thousands of illegal wells, and extended water and sewerage services to rural areas.

Fifth: We will work to improve road transportation links in the Kurdistan region, and enhance the traffic system. We will aim to attract foreign investors to this sector, reduce traffic accident casualties and introduce international traffic management best practices.

Infrastructure improvements include thousands of kilometres of new intercity and village roads, bridges, and a point-to-point speed-camera system, significantly reducing traffic accidents.

Sixth: We will work to provide job opportunities in the private sector, and broaden investment in sectors including industry, agriculture, and tourism. We will reform labor laws to prioritise the provision of job opportunities for local workers instead of foreigners.

Private-sector employment and investment in industry, agriculture, and tourism have been prioritised, leading to billions of dollars in investment capital.

Seventh: We will work to guarantee and regulate the legal rights of private sector employees and workers, ensuring the protection of pensions, working hours, insurance, and future security.

The Social Pension Fund was activated, and the JOBS KRD portal created to connect workers and employers, regulate working hours, and expand insurance coverage.

Eighth: We will prioritise serving the families of Anfal, Peshmerga martyrs and those who were wounded in genocidal campaigns.

Support for families of martyrs, Anfal victims, and political prisoners includes land and housing allocations, full tuition waivers, and 100% marriage-advance exemptions.

Ninth: We will take measures to provide a comfortable and decent life for people with special needs.
Contributions made to support people with special needs were transformed into allowances, which were then added to their regular salaries.

Tenth: We will work to preserve the environment and raise cultural awareness about its importance. Furthermore, we will work to establish an advanced recycling system to reduce the risks of waste contamination.

To protect the environment, the Ninth Cabinet launched recycling initiatives such as Iraq’s first asphalt recycling plant, mandated 25% green-space allocations for industrial projects, and closed refineries and private generators violating environmental standards.

Eleventh: We will take measures to renovate villages, sub-districts, and districts, including measures to provide essential services, encouraging villagers to stay and work their land.

Reconstruction efforts revitalised villages and built new health centres, schools, and infrastructure, facilitating farmers’ market access and encouraging rural return.

Twelfth: We will encourage and foster the expansion of the work of civil communal organisations, helping to support events, sports, arts, and cultural activities in the Kurdistan region.

The KRG expanded the work of civil society organisations, allowing numerous local and international NGOs to operate, while investing in sports and arts facilities.

Thirteenth: We will enhance the capacity of the universities and institutes of the Kurdistan region in terms of quality, and help expand scientific research and study opportunities.

Higher-education reform included enacting Law No. 6 of 2022 establishing the Council for Accreditation of Educational and Higher Education Institutions and Programmes, creating new universities and departments, and supporting thousands of research projects.

Fourteenth: We will introduce digitisation of government systems (E-Government); transforming citizens' interaction with government procedures and services.

A Digital Transformation Strategy was launched to modernise government infrastructure and services, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency and accessibility.

Fifteenth: We will empower youth as a national asset and a driving force for the future.

Youth empowerment was prioritised through the creation of the Kurdistan Innovation Institute (KII) and the Gashanawa (“Shine”) Project, providing financial support to SMEs and fostering innovation.

Sixteenth: We will prioritise preserving and revitalising our cultural and historical heritage, which form an essential part of the nation’s identity and cultural capital.

To preserve cultural heritage, the KRG implemented restoration projects at major sites such as the Erbil Citadel, Shanidar Cave, Dwin Castle, and Charsteen Cave, in partnership with universities and international organisations.

3. At the Level of Relations between the KRG and the Federal Government of Iraq

The constitution will be the fundamental basis for talks between Erbil and Baghdad, especially issues covered by article 140 of the Iraqi constitution. This includes Peshmerga, natural resources, compensation for Anfal, martyrs, people affected by the previous Ba’ath regime and all the constitutional rights of the people of the Kurdistan region. These issues will all be prioritised in our talks with the federal government of Baghdad.

KRG delegations have held numerous rounds of talks in Baghdad, achieving several agreements, such as the 2023–2025 Budget Law, the Oil Export Agreement (April 2024), and the Sinjar Agreement (October 2020).

However, implementation by the federal government remains incomplete.

The Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal Victims continues to pursue constitutional rights for political prisoners, martyrs, and Anfal survivors, while the KRG Representation in Baghdad has been strengthened to facilitate citizen services and coordination.

4. Freedom, Democracy, and Coexistence

First: We remain committed to the principle of peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious communities — Kurds, Turkmen, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriacs, Armenians, Arabs, Muslims, Yezidis, Christians, Kakais, Mandaeans, and Zoroastrians.
The Human Rights Plan (2021–2025) was adopted to safeguard cultural and religious freedoms, ensuring communities can establish schools, places of worship, and participate in governance.

Second: We will uphold and strengthen democratic principles, freedom, equality, and citizens’ right to access information in accordance with the law.

To uphold freedom of information and democratic accountability, the KRG implemented four of the five articles of Law No. 11 of 2013 (Right to Information) under the direction of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
A specialised committee is developing comprehensive guidelines for full enforcement.

Third: We will stand against any forms of discrimination and attempts to minimise the role of women in society. It is vital that women are permitted to make a full contribution to the community, the economy, and within the political arena.

The High Council of Women’s Affairs has been revitalised to expand women’s leadership and participation in political and economic life.
While regional conditions present ongoing challenges, strategic efforts continue to promote equal opportunity across all spheres.

5. The Kurdistan Region’s Regional and International Relations

First: The official institutions of the KRG should manage regional and international relations. For this purpose, the Department of Foreign Relations will be re-organised and governed by a new law.

The Department of Foreign Relations (DFR) has reviewed and reorganised its institutional structure and the operations of foreign representations. During this period, 490 international NGOs and 12 international agencies have been granted legal status and operational support to carry out their work effectively within the Region.

Second: We will prioritise a stable relationship with our neighbouring countries, based on mutual respect and mutual interest, improving relations at all levels

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) currently maintains 14 representations abroad, 23 consulates general, 2 consulates, 2 consular offices, 1 embassy office, 1 trade office, and 6 honorary consuls within the Region.

This reflects the KRG’s enduring commitment to fostering diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties based on mutual respect and shared benefit.

Third: We support peaceful solutions for all issues in the region. We will work to improve and strengthen the KRG’s capacity to resolve disputes and conflicts.

The KRG consistently supports the peaceful resolution of regional disputes and remains a constructive actor in efforts to maintain security, stability, and cooperation across the Middle East.

Fourth: The KRG will strengthen current representation offices, and open new representations as needed in different countries. We will also encourage other countries to open their consulates in Erbil.

Two new KRG missions have been established—in Qatar and Armenia—with ongoing efforts to expand diplomatic and economic relations with additional countries.
At the same time, the KRG continues to create a favourable environment for more countries to open consulates and representative offices within the Region, enhancing Kurdistan’s role as a regional partner and gateway for international cooperation.

6. At the Economic and Financial Level

First: We will work to diversify Kurdistan’s economy, reducing our reliance on oil and gas. We will develop the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors to attract foreign investment.

The KRG has revitalised the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors, implementing strategic projects to attract both foreign and domestic investment. These measures aim to promote sustainable growth, reduce dependency on hydrocarbons, and build a resilient and diversified economy.

Second: The agricultural sector will be one of our main priorities, as we will introduce new methods, advanced machinery, and expand knowledge of scientific methods in order to improve quality across the sector. Furthermore, we will work to exploit our water resources, building dams and sources of sustainable energy.

The government has completed multiple dams, ponds, and sewerage projects, alongside establishing hundreds of factories and cold storage facilities. These initiatives protect local production, support farmers, and expand market access, with several agricultural products now successfully exported for the first time.

Third: We will work to restructure the banking system in the Kurdistan region, and ensure that the system serves both individuals and the public. We will encourage the use of bank accounts and electronic cards both to exchange currencies and reduce cash transactions.

The KRG has initiated the establishment of the National Bank of the Kurdistan Region, licensed by the Central Bank of Iraq with a capital of IQD 250 billion. Under the “My Account” initiative, salaries of more than 900,000 KRG employees are being transferred to individual bank accounts—a significant step toward financial transparency, inclusion, and modernisation.

Fourth: We will encourage investment in all fields, by providing fair opportunities for both national and international investors; to achieve this, we will edit and modify the KRG's investment laws.

Policies introduced to attract investors include streamlined foreign-investment procedures, tax and fee exemptions, and land allocation support.

The Invest Kurdistan platform and a dedicated investment unit have been launched to promote transparency and facilitate investor engagement. A draft amendment to the Investment Law of the Kurdistan Region is under review to strengthen fairness, competition, and investor protection.

7. At the Administrative Level

First: We will work on distributing roles and responsibilities in accordance with the law and under the supervision of the premiership. Furthermore, we will emphasise establishing a decentralised system of power compatible with the legal and administrative system in the KRG.

The KRG continues to strengthen administrative decentralisation across governorates, delegating greater authority to local institutions under the supervision of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
This has led to the establishment of two self-administration districts and numerous new service directorates, improving responsiveness, efficiency, and local service delivery.
By empowering local administrations, the KRG promotes a more participatory and accountable governance model.

Second: We will put relentless efforts into re-organising and trimming the structure of the government’s institutions from the bottom up, so they are appropriate for the Kurdistan region.

The KRG has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of government institutions to align administrative capacity with the Region’s developmental priorities.
The newly established Public Service Council provides oversight, coordination, and capacity-building for the civil service, ensuring professionalism, transparency, and efficiency in public administration.

Conclusion

The Ninth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (2019–2025) has implemented a wide range of reforms and initiatives across governance, economic, and social sectors.
These measures demonstrate a clear commitment to institutional transparency, service efficiency, and the rule of law, while also advancing economic diversification and international engagement.

Through continued coordination among ministries and collaboration with local, regional, and international partners, the KRG reaffirms its resolve to uphold the principles of good governance, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development for all citizens of the Kurdistan Region.

Implementation Status of the Kurdistan Regional Government Ninth Cabinet's Agenda

Summary of the Strategic Projects of the Kurdistan Regional Government (2019-2024)

Summary of the Strategic Projects of the Kurdistan Regional Government (2019-2024)

Vision in Action: Strategic Projects of the 9th KRG Cabinet - A Photo Album

Vision in Action: Strategic Projects of the 9th KRG Cabinet - A Photo Album