Amman, Aug. 16 (Petra) — The information and communications
technology sector has grown into a $3.6 billion industry employing
more than 46,000 people, underscoring its expanding role in
investment, exports and the Kingdom’s broader economic modernization
drive.

The figures were presented as the Information and Communications
Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) marked its 25th anniversary
under the theme “25 Years… One Network,” highlighting the
industry’s evolution from a specialized technology segment into a
core component of the national economy.

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat said
int@j has become a platform for ICT expertise and a key link between
the private sector and government, contributing to several stages of
the industry’s development.

He said Jordan’s technology sector has benefited from an early Royal
vision that identified ICT as a strategic pillar for development,
economic growth, innovation and investment, as well as a source of
opportunities for Jordanian talent.

The sector is now central to Jordan’s modernization agenda, Smeirat
said, serving as an enabler for investment and export growth and the
creation of high-skilled jobs. Digital technologies are also a key
component of public-sector modernization efforts aimed at improving
government efficiency and the quality and accessibility of services.

He said the establishment of the National Council for Future
Technology reinforces that direction by bringing together government,
businesses, universities and Jordanian expertise to translate
technological change into projects, programs and economic
opportunities.

An overview presented during the anniversary event showed that
int@j’s membership has grown to 316 companies, while Jordanian
startups have attracted an estimated $250 million through more than
14 investment funds.

Over its 25-year history, the association has contributed to efforts
to develop the regulatory environment, preserve industry incentives
and promote Jordanian technology exports, while organizing trade
missions and launching platforms and initiatives supporting startups,
women’s participation and cybersecurity.

The association’s activities have also included organizing the MENA
ICT Forum and helping Jordanian technology companies access regional
and international markets.

int@j Chairman Fadi Qutaishat said the past quarter-century has seen
technology shift from a specialized industry into a fundamental part
of Jordan’s economy and the future of business.

He traced the industry’s institutional development to 1999, when
information technology was placed among the Kingdom’s priorities.
Private-sector leaders subsequently developed the REACH plan to build
Jordan’s IT industry, followed by the establishment of int@j in 2000
to support its implementation.

Qutaishat announced the launch of “The REACH Forum” under a new
identity as an extension of the MENA ICT Forum. Aqaba will host the
event in April 2027 at the Aqaba International Exhibition and
Convention Center.

Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Chief Commissioner Shadi Majali
and Aqaba Development Corporation CEO Hussein Safadi said Aqaba is
ready to host technology companies, investors and entrepreneurs
attending the forum.

They pointed to ongoing expansion in the city’s investment and urban
infrastructure, including upgrades to King Hussein International
Airport and the development of new projects and events.

Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Chairperson Lara Khatib,
meanwhile, stressed the importance of continued public-private
coordination in developing services and creating a market capable of
attracting investment and skilled professionals.

int@j CEO Nidal Bitar said the association has sought to bring
technology companies together, represent their interests, address
industry challenges and strengthen cooperation with government.

Its work has also focused on connecting universities and talent with
employment opportunities and helping technology companies expand
their contribution to national exports.

Bitar said the association is entering a new phase as artificial
intelligence and the digital economy increasingly reshape economies
and business models.

He announced the launch of an interactive digital yearbook
documenting int@j’s 25-year history and the development of Jordan’s
technology industry.

A new digital platform has also been introduced to provide expanded
information on ICT companies and allow users to search and classify
businesses according to their activities, geographic presence and
other criteria.

int@j will also hold a specialized artificial intelligence event in
November, focusing on the transition from AI adoption to measurable
impact, alongside digital sovereignty, skills and inclusive digital
growth. The event will be organized with support from the German
Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

//Petra// RZ