World Bank approves $1.1B package to support Jordan’s Modernization Vision

Four major projects to boost economic growth, social protection, entrepreneurship, and energy transition

AMMAN, Jordan (MNTV) — The World Bank has approved a new financing package worth $1.1 billion to support Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision (EMV), marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance economic resilience, stimulate inclusive growth, and expand social protection systems.

The funding, announced Tuesday, encompasses four major development programmes aimed at addressing structural challenges and creating economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable communities.

Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Division Director for the Middle East, praised Jordan’s progress in advancing critical reforms, noting, “These programmes represent a comprehensive approach vital for sustainable growth — combining investment in people and institutions, support for entrepreneurship, social protection, and the transition to a clean energy future.”

The projects align with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework for Jordan 2024–2029 and reinforce the bank’s commitment to a results-driven partnership with the Kingdom.

The largest portion of the funding—$400 million—will go toward the Jordan Growth and Competitiveness Development Policy Financing Programme. 

This initiative is designed to enhance the investment climate, boost exports, and improve access to jobs for youth and women. 

The programme supports reforms in business regulation, fair competition, access to finance, and streamlined customs procedures.

To strengthen Jordan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the World Bank will provide $50 million for the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) 2.0. 

Building on the success of the fund’s initial phase—which attracted over $240 million in private capital and created more than 2,000 jobs—ISSF 2.0 will expand early-stage investment in high-growth sectors such as ICT, FinTech, green technology, and health tech. 

The new phase is expected to leverage $150 million in private investment and support up to 100 startups over the next five years.

Another $400 million will support the Resilient and Sustainable Social Protection Programme, which aims to improve Jordan’s response to economic and social shocks. 

The initiative will extend cash assistance to 1.2 million people, provide health insurance coverage for approximately 150,000 individuals, and offer integrated education, health, and employment services to one million beneficiaries. 

It also seeks to strengthen digital service delivery and build early warning and response capabilities.

The final component of the financing package—the Electricity Sector Efficiency and Supply Reliability Programme—will receive $250 million to support Jordan’s clean energy transition. 

The programme includes cost-saving and revenue-enhancing measures, energy efficiency improvements in public institutions, and enhanced cybersecurity in transmission systems. 

It aligns with Jordan’s goal to raise the share of renewable energy to 31% by 2030 and to improve the stability and financial sustainability of the national electricity grid.

Strategic partnership and long-term vision

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan welcomed the funding as a continuation of Jordan’s strategic collaboration with the World Bank. 

“This financing reflects our shared commitment to promoting economic opportunities, enhancing social protection, and advancing Jordan’s innovation and clean energy agenda in line with our national priorities under the Economic Modernisation Vision,” she said.

Since the launch of the EMV, Jordan has achieved progress in fiscal reform, digital transformation, and private sector development. 

The new financing package reinforces the government’s commitment to building a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economy that delivers tangible benefits to its people.