Jordan has been ranked first in the Arab world and 20th globally in cybersecurity, achieving an impressive score of 98.6% on the Global Cybersecurity Index. The announcement was made by Nidal Bitar, CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j), during the Invest in Digital Economy Forum in Amman, highlighting the country’s growing prowess in the digital domain.
A Hub for Tech Talent
Bitar attributed this success to the high competency of Jordanian youth and the nation’s ICT companies. The country boasts a robust talent pipeline, with 7,000 to 8,000 students graduating annually with ICT and engineering degrees from 39 universities and 51 community colleges. Notably, women constitute 40% of ICT graduates, placing Jordan among the regional leaders for female participation in the tech sector.
Favorable Business and Investment Climate
Jordan has cultivated an attractive environment for tech investment, evidenced by the presence of regional hubs for major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, and Huawei. This is reinforced by a reduced tax rate of just 5% for ICT companies, compared to the standard 20%, and extensive global market access through 56 investment agreements and eight free trade agreements.
Thriving Startup and Digital Content Ecosystem
The kingdom’s ICT sector now comprises approximately 2,000 specialized companies and 450 startups, employing over 46,000 people and contributing JD3.6 billion to the economy. The vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem is supported by accelerators, incubators, and investment funds. Furthermore, Jordan is a digital content powerhouse, producing nearly 75% of all Arabic digital content available online.
Key Sectors and Future Opportunities
Jordan has developed deep specializations in cybersecurity, big data, software development, mobile applications, and FinTech, bolstered by the government’s push toward a cashless economy through initiatives like the CliQ digital payments system. Bitar also pointed to significant emerging opportunities in digital health, tourism, e-learning, logistics, and renewable energy.
About Int@j
The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j) is a non-profit, private sector organization that advocates for the ICT industry in Jordan. Its mission is to empower its members with the tools and resources they need to grow and prosper in local and global markets.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
