Promoting entrepreneurship for more employment and development

Context

Almost a quarter of the population of Jordan was unemployed in 2023. This has particularly affected women and young people and is an ever-greater challenge for the country.

According to the 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, around every sixth adult (approximately 16 per cent) in Jordan is trying to set up their own company or heads up a company that is less than 3.5 years old. However, the proportion of established entrepreneurs is only just over seven per cent. This illustrates the considerable difficulties that entrepreneurs have in managing businesses over the long term. In addition to this, new companies frequently have only limited growth potential.

The entrepreneurial ecosystem is also facing many different challenges. The general conditions are often unfavorable for entrepreneurs. Administrative hurdles and bureaucratic processes are a hindrance. In addition, there are not enough support services and partnership schemes in the regions. This means that entrepreneurs cannot sufficiently exploit regional markets and business potential.

Objective

Improved entrepreneurship increases economic development and generates new jobs in Jordan.

Approach

The project is cofinanced by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union.

The project cooperates with the Jordanian Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship as well as other national partners in three areas:

1. Improving the HR and planning skills of the stakeholders in the public and private sectors with the aim of developing effective support measures for new companies.
2. Promoting regional ecosystems to improve the conditions for start-ups and offer them better services.
3. Supporting founders and start-ups in making optimum use of regional markets and business potential – for example through funding programmes or events on software and hardware development.

Last update: September 2024