The Kurdistan Region has shown remarkable resilience amid ongoing challenges, attracting over $1.25 billion in investments during the first six months of 2025. Despite economic difficulties caused by wider regional issues, the region continues to grow as a hub for investors across multiple sectors.
Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of the Kurdistan Region Investment Board, expressed optimism about the current investment climate. “In just six months, 79 new projects have been licensed, spanning education, sports, agriculture, tourism, housing, and commerce,” he said. These projects represent a total investment value of more than $1.25 billion, with commercial ventures accounting for $220 million of this sum.
Shukri emphasized the board’s commitment to facilitating investments, noting increased efforts to streamline permits and encourage the development of impactful projects. This steady influx of investment reflects confidence in the region’s stability, peace, and improving economic environment.
Significantly, many projects are local initiatives, but foreign investors also play a key role, contributing to nearly $10.5 billion in licensed capital across 50 projects in recent years. This marks a positive trend towards strengthening Kurdistan’s economy.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani recently highlighted a major infrastructure milestone, announcing that for the first time in four decades, the Kurdistan Region offers 24-hour electricity to its citizens. “By 2026, all cities in Kurdistan will enjoy uninterrupted power,” Barzani declared, citing the success of the ‘Runaki’ project currently providing round-the-clock electricity to two million residents.
The ninth cabinet has focused heavily on revitalizing the industrial sector, particularly the food industry, aiming to boost local production and reduce dependence on oil revenues. With strong government support and growing investor interest, Kurdistan is steadily moving towards a diversified and sustainable economic future.
