Netaj reinforces its leadership in e-commerce through strategic initiatives and national partnerships
Mr. Ghaleb Al-Hussaini, Chairman of the Board at Netaj, stated during his opening remarks:
'Netaj is not just a platform for supporting entrepreneurship; we are a strategic partner in building Iraq's digital economy. We provide a comprehensive environment that combines investment, capacity building, and hands-on guidance to help startups and high-potential businesses grow and compete.'
A Platform for National Dialogue and Policy Coordination
The event witnessed broad participation from high-level officials who highlighted the core challenges facing Iraq's e-commerce sector, particularly around infrastructure, digital payments, and regulatory frameworks. They stressed the importance of developing a national roadmap through public-private cooperation.
The event was also attended by representatives of major companies such as Super Cell, leading banking institutions, and official delegations from the French and Dutch Embassies. Also present were notable tech influencers and government leaders, including Dr. Nawfal Abu Ragheef, President of the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CME).
A standout contribution came from Dr. Hassan Al-Khatib, Digital Transformation Advisor to the Prime Minister, who underscored the government's active efforts to bridge the gap between young Iraqi entrepreneurs and local investors. He emphasized that digital empowerment and entrepreneurship are two pillars of Iraq's long-term sustainable economic development strategy.
Dr. Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj, added:
'At Netaj, we are committed to empowering youth and businesses through practical tools and real investment. We don't just fund — we build complete support systems that include training, mentorship, planning, and market access. We believe digital transformation starts with people.'
Strategic Partnerships to Empower Youth and the E-Commerce Sector
As part of the event, Netaj announced a series of strategic partnerships aimed at enabling thousands of Iraqi youth to enter the e-commerce space with the tools and support they need to succeed. Among the most notable collaborations is one with Haeiz, a leading digital retail platform that will support aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them build online stores, receive marketing and technical training, and access the market effectively.
'Nawat': Capital + Capability = Sustainable Growth
The event also highlighted progress under Nawat, Iraq's first Venture Studio, launched by Netaj earlier this year. Nawat currently supports over 40 startups across various sectors and is building a dedicated $2 million USD investment fund to accelerate their growth.
The Nawat model combines investment, capacity development, and operational infrastructure, giving Iraqi entrepreneurs a safe, professional environment to transform their ideas into scalable businesses.
About Netaj
Netaj is Iraq's premier platform for building a fully integrated ecosystem for entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and innovation. Through investment programs, training, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, Netaj helps startups and SMEs grow and scale both locally and regionally — contributing to the development of a strong, resilient digital economy in Iraq.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade jumped 35% in first half on economic diversification
Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade in the first half of this year jumped 34.7 per cent annually to Dh195.4 ($53.2 billion) as the emirate's economy continues to expand amid diversification efforts and government drives. Exports during the period grew by 64 per cent to Dh78.5 billion, while imports rose by 15 per cent to Dh80 billion, and re-exports registered a 35 per cent increase to exceed Dh36 billion, Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Sunday citing Abu Dhabi Customs' statistics. 'The growth in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025 reflects the success of Abu Dhabi's economic strategies, and highlights the effectiveness of efforts made by Abu Dhabi Customs, in collaboration with strategic partners, to facilitate trade,' said Rashed Al Mansoori, director general of the general administration of Abu Dhabi Customs. 'These efforts are driven by the adoption of advanced systems, innovations, and digital technologies.' Abu Dhabi's economy expanded by 3.8 per cent annually in 2024 to reach an all-time high value of Dh1.2 trillion, state news agency Wam reported in May. The emirate's non-oil sector during the 12-month period grew 6.2 per cent to Dh644.3 billion, marking its highest annual contribution yet to the total gross domestic product at 54.7 per cent, Wam said, quoting data from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi has continued its shift away from oil and has taken several measures to attract international investors, boost its competitiveness and improve the ease of conducting business. In 2022, the emirate launched an industrial strategy to improve the contribution of the sector to the economy, by investing Dh10 billion across six programmes to more than double the emirate's manufacturing to Dh172 billion by 2031. Abu Dhabi also plans to boost the tourism sector's contribution to its GDP to 12 per cent by 2030, from 5 per cent in 2023. It has also laid out long-term strategies to further develop sectors including aviation and technology, with new investments in artificial intelligence. The increase in non-oil foreign trade underscores the strength of Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategies and significant investments across key sectors. These efforts collectively support the emirate's growth as a leading regional and global trade and logistics hub, Abu Dhabi Customs said. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said the emirate is increasing efforts to position the UAE's capital city among the world's most business-ready economies by 'streamlining trade procedures, deploying smart systems, and integrating services to enhance flow and accelerate efficiency'. This will help cement Abu Dhabi's position as a global trade and investment centre, and a key node on international supply chains, Mr Al Zaabi added. The UAE is signing new trade agreements that are helping it to boost trade with partner states around the globe. It has already signed 28 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (Cepas), with the latest deal signed with Azerbaijan last month. Ten of these deals – with India, Indonesia, Israel, Turkey, Cambodia, Georgia, Costa Rica, Mauritius, Serbia and Jordan – have been implemented and are operational, according to data from the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Agreements with other trading partners – Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Chile, Colombia, Kenya, Ukraine, Vietnam, Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Eurasia, Belarus and Azerbaijan – are yet to be implemented. Talks have also concluded with the Philippines, Morocco and Armenia.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Endeavor Jordan appoints Tamer Al-Salah as Managing Director
Amman, Jordan – Tamer brings with him over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship development, investment ecosystem building, and startup support in Jordan. Most recently, he served as the Managing Director of Beyond Capital, an initiative launched in 2017, as a partnership between Endeavor Jordan and Silicon Badia, to strengthen and mature the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem in the Kingdom. His career journey began at Endeavor Jordan, where he joined the Search and Selection team and quickly rose to become the Entrepreneur Services and Growth Manager. Tamer later continued to serve the entrepreneurship community through his work at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), managing advisory projects for multiple SMEs across Jordan. 'We are thrilled to welcome Tamer back to Endeavor,' said Samer Al Aloul, Chairman of Endeavor Jordan. 'His deep understanding of the local ecosystem, coupled with his strategic leadership and firsthand experience supporting high-impact entrepreneurs, makes him the ideal person to lead the next chapter of Endeavor Jordan.' Tamer holds a Master's degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship from the University of Essex, and a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems from the New York Institute of Technology. 'I'm honored to return to the organization where I first developed my passion for supporting entrepreneurs,' said Tamer. 'Endeavor's mission to scale high-impact companies is more relevant than ever, and I look forward to working with the team, the Board, and the broader network to unlock the next wave of entrepreneurial growth in Jordan.' As Managing Director, Tamer will be responsible for overseeing Endeavor Jordan's strategic direction, operations, and expansion efforts, as the organization continues to support and scale the country's most promising entrepreneurs. About Endeavor Jordan Endeavor is the Global Network of Trust of, by and for entrepreneurs. The organization selects, supports and invests in founders with the greatest potential, providing them with a platform to train, mentor, and invest in the next generation through the Endeavor Multiplier Effect™. Today Endeavor's community includes more than 2,900 entrepreneurs building transformational companies across 45+ markets. As of 2024, these entrepreneurs have generated $88.5 billion in revenue and created over 4 million jobs worldwide. Endeavor launched its operations in Jordan in 2009, and is leading the way in supporting high-impact entrepreneurship. LinkedIn: Endeavor Jordan – Facebook: EndeavorJordan Twitter: EndeavorJo – Instagram: endeavorjordan This press release has been distributed by Endeavor Jordan. For more information or assistance, please contact our Marketing & Communications Department at: Nadine Odat Marketing & Communications Director
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi: Employee wins Dh50,930 in unpaid wages, along with return flight ticket
The Abu Dhabi Labour Court has ruled a case in favour of an employee involving unpaid salaries, dismissal without proper notice, and other employment-related claims. The First Instance Court ordered the employer to pay the worker Dh50,930, along with Dh1,500 for a return flight ticket to his home country and an experience certificate. In the court case, the employee claimed that his employer failed to pay his salary from October 1, 2024, until the end of his employment on April 5, 2025. He also requested compensation for unfair dismissal, lack of notice, unused annual leave, and a return flight to his home country. The employer denied these claims and, in a counterclaim, demanded Dh12,200, stating the employee had collected payments for invoices but failed to hand over the money. The court appointed an accounting expert to verify the claims. Based on the evidence and testimonies, the court ruled: Delayed salaries: The employee was awarded Dh43,167 for unpaid wages between October 1, 2024, and April 5, 2025. Notice period compensation: The court found the termination violated UAE labour law and awarded Dh7,000 as compensation for lack of notice. Annual leave: The employee was awarded Dh770 for unused leave. Travel ticket: The court granted Dh1,500 or the cost of a one-way economy-class ticket to the employee's home country, unless he joins another employer. Experience certificate: The court instructed the employer to provide the worker with a certificate of experience. The court rejected the request for 12 per cent interest on the unpaid amount due to the absence of a prior agreement and ruled there was no evidence of unfair dismissal caused by a complaint or legal action. In the employer's counterclaim, the court ruled in favour of the company, ordering the employee to pay Dh12,200 after accepting sworn testimony that he had collected payments and failed to hand them over. In the final judgement, the court ruled that the employer must pay the worker Dh50,930, Dh1,500 for a return travel ticket and also an experience certificate. Each party to bear their own legal costs related to their claims.
