Mohammed Samir, Chief Commercial Officer, Zain IraqIraq is a land of immense potential – a country with deep historical roots and where a youthful, ambitious population is eager to move forward. The reality on the ground tells a compelling story: one of energy, resilience and quiet transformation.
The telecommunications industry is at the heart of this transformation. In a nation where roughly half the population is aged 20 and younger, and digital adoption is accelerating rapidly, connectivity is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity.
As one of Iraq’s leading digital enablers and the operator with the largest customer base in the country, serving more than 20.7 million customers, Zain Iraq plays a central role in this evolution. We not only aim to build infrastructure that connects people and businesses – we intend to actively shape how the country accesses opportunity, innovation and a connected future.
More than a network
In Iraq’s competitive market, customers expect more than coverage. They expect care, responsiveness, digital ease and a brand that understands them. This requires a human-centric approach to experience – putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.
As such, we have and continue to invest in seamless digital channels, AI-powered support, and tailored product offerings that reflect how our users live, work and socialise. Our platforms aren’t built in isolation – they’re shaped by real usage patterns, direct feedback and deep cultural context.
But customer experience is not just about platforms – it’s about trust and resonating with Iraqi life, culture and digital aspirations. It’s important to become synonymous with reliability, consistency and innovation. This requires a commitment to transparency, inclusion and relevance.
We ensure that whether through campaigns that celebrate shared values or partnerships with local artists and influencers, our brand stays culturally grounded while digitally forward. We not only aim to run a network – we build a relationship with every customer in every corner of the country.
Growing together with Iraq
Our purpose is inseparable from the people we serve and the people we employ. From engineers in remote provinces to our digital marketing and customer care teams in Baghdad, we intend to empower Iraqis across every region and function to contribute meaningfully to our mission.
We believe that our growth is only sustainable if the Iraqi workforce drives this growth. That’s why we invest heavily in our local talent – from training programmes for fresh graduates and coding bootcamps for youth, to targeted initiatives supporting women’s inclusion in leadership roles.
Commitment to community development must be long-term and deeply rooted. We need to remain focused in our roles as responsible corporate citizens – and that’s why Zain Iraq is an organisation that gives back, listens actively and lead with purpose.
Looking ahead, our vision in anchored in inclusion, sustainability and empowerment. The Iraqi people are not just our customers – they are our drivers, our community and our future.
Enabling potential and powering progress in Iraq
Connectivity is the backbone of opportunity. In Iraq, where ambition often outpaces infrastructure, telecom operators play a vital role in bridging that gap. We are not only expected to connect people – we must also enable them to unlock their potential.
In recent years, we’ve accelerated access to reliable high-speed data, expanded 4G availability and capacity nationwide, and laid the groundwork for future-facing technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and the adoption of AI across everything we do. Yet, technology is only half the story.
From flexible voice and data bundles to mobile and electronic payments, entertainment content, and youth-focused digital packs, the key is to tailor our ever-evolving product portfolio to Iraq’s unique demographics and demanding customers.
“Our purpose is inseparable from the people we serve and the people we employ.”
Whether it’s a young entrepreneur launching an e-commerce platform or a group of developers working on digital healthcare tools, we are meant to support the talent and creativity that’s driving Iraq’s digital future.
Innovation also means building ecosystems where people can thrive. Through our incubator Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC) and a range of tailored programmes, we are nurturing a new generation of Iraqi thinkers, creators and problem-solvers. These platforms provide entrepreneurs, students and developers with access to mentorship, infrastructure, funding as well as tools to ideate, test and launch solutions that serve real local needs.
Innovation is not about being flashy – it’s about being useful. Every solution we build aims to remove friction and unlock growth for individuals, businesses and the society.
A future built on strength and vision
It has been a long journey of rebuilding, adapting and rising – repeatedly. In this environment, resilience is not optional – it’s essential.
This defines how we operate at Zain Iraq every single day. We’ve navigated economic volatility and infrastructure challenges. Yet through it all, we’ve maintained full-service continuity, expanded our reach and continued to innovate under pressure. Our network remained online when it mattered most – because we understand that connectivity is a lifeline, not a luxury.
But resilience is also human: it’s the Zain field technician who shows up at dawn to restore connectivity cuts; it’s the customer care agent staying late to resolve urgent issues; and it’s the leadership team making tough calls to keep service levels high, no matter the conditions.
Leadership in Iraq demands more than business acumen – it requires purpose and responsibility. As such, we lead by example: through transparency, proximity to our communities and a deep commitment to our people.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for 5G deployment, pending regulatory approval, exploring green energy solutions for our towers, and working towards smarter and more collaborative public-private partnerships.
We don’t just believe in Iraq’s future – we are helping to build it, one connection at a time.
By Mohammed Samir, Chief Commercial Officer, Zain Iraq
