USAID Commits $1.5 Million to Support Green Iraqi Innovation
Water and Energy for Food Grand Challenge (WE4F) MENA launches a unique new support program for Iraqi innovators promoting local, sustainable, and scalable solutions for challenges in the water, energy, and agriculture sectors.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is proud to announce the launch of the WE4F Iraqi Call for Innovations, to foster innovation and enhance food security in Iraq. The $1.5 million program, implemented by the WE4F Middle East and North Africa Regional Innovation Hub (MENA RIH), will support Iraq-based companies working on providing sustainable water or energy solutions for agriculture. The selected companies will receive customized support in the form of grants, technical assistance, and investment facilitation to grow their businesses, combat resource scarcity, and foster the transition to a green economy.
USAID proudly supports the Iraqi private sector’s transition to a green economy, which will help create new job opportunities and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for Iraqi citizens.
USAID Iraq Mission Director, John Cardenas
Water scarcity, environmental degradation, inefficient food production methods, unemployment, and protracted conflict all threaten Iraq’s long-term prosperity and stability. Tackling issues related to water, energy, and food is imperative to overcoming these barriers and achieving greater stability. Together with investors and other partners, the MENA RIH works with companies to grow more food while using less water and more sustainable energy sources.
In addition to funding local companies, the MENA RIH program helps them grow by providing technical assistance and facilitating investment options; supporting expanded investment through grants, soft loans, and other tailored financial instruments; and the joint creation of a supportive, business-enabling environment.
The first Iraqi Call for Innovations will accept submissions from 8th September to 6th October 2021, with information including eligibility criteria and application guidelines available at www.we4f.org/apply-mena.
