AMMAN — Eid Sweis, Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j), announced on Saturday a “qualitative” transformation of Jordan’s ICT sector over the past two decades. Since 2000, the sector’s revenues have surged nearly tenfold, reaching over $3.6 billion, firmly establishing ICT as a cornerstone of the national economy.
Marking Jordan’s 79th Independence Day, Sweis credited this remarkable growth to the visionary guidance and continuous support of His Majesty King Abdullah II. The King’s directives have prioritized positioning Jordan as a regional ICT hub, developing digital infrastructure, and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Special emphasis has been placed on empowering youth and digital entrepreneurship, deemed essential gateways to the future economy.
Sweis highlighted the active role of HRH Crown Prince Hussein in advancing digital transformation. The Crown Prince’s oversight and directives have bolstered youth empowerment and innovation, increasing Jordan’s appeal as a technology investment destination and nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem.
The ICT workforce has expanded substantially from approximately 10,000 in 2000 to over 46,000 today, including 10,000 employees in the outsourcing sector serving local and international companies. The growth in employment mirrors the sector’s economic vitality and its increasing contribution to Jordan’s GDP.
On the education front, the annual number of graduates in ICT and engineering disciplines has grown from under 1,000 two decades ago to about 7,000 currently, with women constituting 40% of these graduates. More than 39 universities, both public and private, now offer ICT-related programs, enhancing the country’s skilled human capital.
Jordan’s telecom infrastructure currently includes three operators providing 4G coverage nationwide and 5G in major cities, with plans to achieve 50% 5G coverage by 2028. The telecom sector’s total revenues reached JD1.2 billion in 2023, with investments totaling approximately JD347 million. There are 45 licensed telecom service companies, fixed internet subscriptions cover 7% of the population (around 800,000 users), and cellular network internet coverage stands at 67%.
The startup ecosystem is thriving with over 450 startups operating in sectors such as fintech, e-learning, e-commerce, AI, IoT, blockchain, electronic gaming, and tourism. These ventures benefit from support by business accelerators and investment funds, further stimulating innovation and economic diversification.
Exports of IT services and products have increased nearly sixfold from less than $50 million two decades ago to over $300 million today, underscoring the sector’s expanding role in Jordan’s economy.
Eid Sweis concluded that Jordan’s ICT sector exemplifies a success story of independence and development, driven by strategic vision, public-private collaboration, and a focus on digital empowerment and innovation.
