Jordan Youth, Technology, and Jobs Project

Project Implementation Status

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MODEE) is making good progress towards the implementation of the project activities. This progress report is based on the Mid-Term Review that took place from December 9th to 12th. The project has made progress since the last progress report.

• Component 1: Supporting the supply of digital skills in Jordan
  • Subcomponent 1.1: Private sector-led digital skills development: Significant advancements are anticipated in the first half of 2025. A total of four activities are being launched by DigiSkills almost simultaneously, aiming to benefit at least 2,300 individuals within 4-6 months, with significant employment impacts anticipated by mid-2025. Discussions emphasized the structured planning approach undertaken, (includes aligning with gap analysis results and in-demand job sectors, gathering insights through focus groups from previous rounds, etc.), the rapid implementation planned in 2025, and impactful results expected, with a total contracts value of US$5 million. A total of 14 training service providers (TSPs) were competitively selected to implement the four activities: Skilling, Re-Skilling, Up-Skilling, and Training in portable skills for Syrian refugees.
  • Subcomponent 1.2: Digital skills for public school students: Significant progress has been made with MoDEE and PMU collaborating with the MOE. The new curriculum for grades 7, 9, and 11 was rolled out in September 2024 and is pending final approval for the second term. The curriculum for grades 1-6 is expected by August 2025. In teacher training, 100 ICT master trainers completed training in November 2024, and 100 STEM trainers will be trained by June 2025. Successful extracurricular activities, including coding and summer camps, engaged over 2000 students and 210 ICT teachers, showcasing students’ innovative potential. Feedback is being gathered to institutionalize and scale these activities, which are influencing students’ academic choices and understanding of ICT’s transformative role.
  • Subcomponent 1.3: Tech Hubs in underserved communities: This component aims to establish and operate three tech hubs in East Amman, Irbid (North), and Aqaba (South) by competitively selected operators, with a total budget of US$31 million. The East Amman hub, launched in July 2024 by MODEE and the PMU in collaboration with Migrate, has seen limited activity. To address this, the PMU will work with Migrate to enhance the hub’s
    dynamism and develop a comprehensive blueprint by January 2025 to promote community engagement and expand offerings. The Irbid hub’s RFP will be launched in early 2025, with a contract expected by mid-February 2025. The Aqaba hub will be located in the Yamaniyeh Business District, set to be completed by June/July 2025, with Injaz as the selected operator.
  • Subcomponent 1.4: Digital skills for youth: Several initiatives target university students under this sub-component. The Career Acceleration Program, with a US$3 million budget, aims to train 5,000 youth in digital and employability skills. Memorandums of Understanding were signed with 19 universities and training entities. Content from AWS, Microsoft, and Red Hat will help professors train students, ensuring sustainability. So far, 2,600 students have started training.
    The Functional Skills Training (Coach You Collaboration) program offers job search, interviewing, and communication skills toaround 1,500 students. Follow-up efforts will track beneficiaries and measure employment impact.

• Component 2: Expanding the digital sector and government services in Jordan
  • Subcomponent 2.1: Access to markets for digital firms
    • 2.1 (a) Support the expansion and access to market for ITO-BPO activities (GrowJo–Employment Subsidies): Implementation speed increased with 55 agreements signed in 2024, reaching 1,817 hires, and discussions focused on meeting the target of 4,200 hires.
    • 2.1 (b) Support business development for digital firms (GrowJo-Market Expansion): This section is about providing support for digital firms to expand their market opportunities.
    • 2.1 (c) Support access to market for digital entrepreneurs: Leaders International did not meet expectations, prompting a revision of selection criteria and support plans for startups.
    • 2.1 (d) Supporting the growth and adoption of the gig economy: Eight agreements signed in 2024 are expected to benefit 1,518 vulnerable youth with income generation, with 171 already generating income.
    • 2.1 (e) Providing technical assistance for the establishment of the Jordan Source: Jordan Source engaged with 107 companies and signed 7 MOUs, with new initiatives proposed to enhance their operating model and lead generation process. New initiatives are (i) FTA Mapping Digital Tool, (ii) Recruiter; (iii) Landing Space; and (iv) Interactive Lawyer Tool.
    • 2.1 (f) Supporting the development of an entrepreneurship pipeline: The PMU updated on the National Entrepreneurship Policy, with discussions on shifting focus from the Government Accelerator to developing an entrepreneurship program for school-aged children
  • Subcomponent 2.2: Digital transformation of service delivery: To meet DLI 4.2 conditions (Number of new transactional e-services being made available to citizens and businesses through respective government agencies’ e-portals), the PMU and MODEE listed and verified 106 digital services, unlocking US $50 million for digital transformation. MODEE digitized 60% of 2400 public services. Collaborating with governmental agencies, they enhanced 25 public e-services, unlocking an additional US$16 million for DLI 4.3. The 2025 draft budget allocates JOD 13.4 million (US$18.9 million) to digital transformation, JOD 7.4 million (US$10.4 million) to e-government (financed by MODEE), and JOD 6 million (US$8.5 million) to the YTJ Project.
  • Subcomponent 2.3: Digitization of government payments: The backend digital payment system is operational, integrating billing systems across entities and qualifying service providers.

• Component 3: Project management and implementation support: The PMU is staffed with 23 members, including roles in finance, digital skills development, procurement, social outreach, monitoring and evaluation, and technical expertise.