© International Labour Organization | An Iraqi entrepreneur develops her business idea.

Saja al-Bayati has been fascinated by information technology and news since she can remember.

While pursuing a master’s degree in computer engineering, she merged her tech and cyber-security interests with a budding freelance journalism career to start digital awareness campaigns – beginning a journey that would combine her two passions into a business endeavour.

“The field of information technology in Iraq is quite important. We have high rates of digital illiteracy – and that can put people at risk,” Ms. al-Bayati says.

The 29-year-old from Baghdad now runs a company of security experts that keeps people and organizations safe from cyberattacks.

“I help protect individuals and institutions from hacking, and drive awareness on how to protect private, confidential information,” she says.

When Ms. Al-Bayati registered her company, Al-Baydaq (Pawn) Information Technology, with the government in October 2022, she found the process much easier than expected thanks to a new online registration portal.

From 35 steps to a few clicks

On 8 November 2021, the Iraqi government set up business.mot.gov.iq – an online “single window” for business registration – with support from UNCTAD, the United States government and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, a non-profit organization.

The portal simplifies a process that used to entail 35 steps and long hours waiting in line at different government offices. Ms. al-Bayati was able to register her company in just a few clicks and in a matter of minutes.

“I submitted all my papers and paid the registration fees online without needing a lawyer,” she says. “It was the first government e-service I ever experienced, and it was great.”

Unlocking important benefits

According to a recent joint UNDP report, Iraq’s private sector, which accounts for 40% to 50% of employment, is mainly informal. And women in the country generally face more hurdles than…