Jordan is making significant strides in the entrepreneurial landscape, emerging as a rising force within the MENA region. According to the 2024-2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, the kingdom now ranks second in the Arab world for early-stage entrepreneurial activity, with over 21% of its adult population engaged in new ventures. This figure highlights a major cultural shift towards self-starting and innovation among its youth.
A Surge in Entrepreneurial Activity
The Jordanian market is now home to over 1,200 active startups, demonstrating a consistent annual growth rate of approximately 15%. This expansion is particularly concentrated in high-growth sectors, including fintech, digital health, agritech, and smart solution-based services. The nation’s progress is also reflected in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index, where Jordan climbed to 18th place among more than 50 participating countries, improving its score from 4.7 to 5.0.
Bridging the Gender Gap
A key factor in Jordan’s ecosystem development is its success in promoting inclusivity. The gender gap in entrepreneurial activity has dramatically narrowed from over 9% just a few years ago to approximately 3% today. This significant reduction points to a more equitable environment, where opportunities for both women and men to launch and scale businesses are expanding.
Public and Private Sector Collaboration
This positive momentum is underpinned by strong partnerships between public, private, and international entities. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship has been instrumental in shaping supportive policies and providing an institutional framework. Strategic financial tools, such as the national fund for startups and SMEs, have successfully attracted millions in investment and created thousands of jobs. Furthermore, international partners like the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the European Union have played a vital role in capacity building and knowledge transfer.
The Persistent Funding Hurdle
Despite these achievements, a significant challenge remains: access to funding. A large percentage of Jordanian startups continue to rely on personal savings or financial support from family and friends. The limited availability of venture capital and institutional funding acts as a major bottleneck, hindering the ability of promising companies to scale regionally and internationally. This financing gap is a key reason why Jordan, despite its progress, remains in the mid-tier of global ecosystem rankings. To sustain its trajectory, the ecosystem must focus on expanding its funding instruments to transform early-stage initiatives into globally competitive companies.
About The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) is the Jordanian government body responsible for creating and implementing policies to foster a vibrant digital economy and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. It works to develop the necessary infrastructure, skills, and regulatory frameworks to support digital transformation and innovation across the Kingdom.
Source: Ammon News
