Amman, Dec. 29 (Petra) - The King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) continued to expand its role in 2025 as a key national institution focused on youth empowerment, workforce readiness and innovation, aligning its programs with Jordan’s political, economic and administrative reform agenda.

Established in 2001 under a royal initiative, the fund has concentrated on translating youth potential into tangible economic and social outcomes, with programs spanning political participation, entrepreneurship, education and the creative industries across the kingdom.

In support of political modernization, KAFD launched the second cycle of its "Tamkeen" program, providing financial backing to 19 civil society organizations implementing projects aimed at boosting youth and women’s participation, strengthening program-based political parties and encouraging engagement in local governance. The initiatives reached more than 3,800 beneficiaries.

The fund also continued its parliamentary fellowship program for a sixth consecutive year, in partnership with the House of Representatives, offering young participants hands-on experience in legislative and oversight work. The 2025 cycle expanded to include both chambers of parliament and reserved 30% of placements for politically affiliated youth. More than 430 participants also received specialized training on gender-responsive legislation through a partnership with UN Women.

On the economic front, KAFD launched the "Riyada" entrepreneurship program, supporting youth-led, income-generating projects in agriculture and environment, tourism and services, and advanced technology. Thirteen projects received funding, with southern governorates accounting for the largest share. The program reviewed more than 3,800 applications under a competitive and transparent selection process.

To improve graduate employability, the fund continued its "Tariqi" program, offering blended training in technical, professional and life skills linked directly to private-sector hiring. Since its launch in 2015, the initiative has trained more than 1,100 participants and facilitated over 570 job placements.

KAFD also expanded support for academic research and innovation, funding university graduation projects in fields including agri-technology, robotics and artificial intelligence. Since 2004, the program has supported nearly 400 research projects, contributed to multiple patents and enabled participation in international exhibitions and conferences.

In the public sector, the fund sustained its civil service leadership development program, implemented in cooperation with UK-based partners and concluding with advanced training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. More than 330 public employees have completed the program, with many advancing into leadership roles.

Meanwhile, the Jordan Gaming Lab continued its nationwide expansion with the opening of a new branch in Tafilah, reinforcing Jordan’s position as a regional hub for game development. The fund also hosted international gaming conferences in Aqaba, drawing developers, investors and industry leaders from around the world.

Officials said the fund’s 2025 activities reflect a long-term strategy centered on youth inclusion, skills development and innovation as drivers of sustainable economic growth.

//Petra// AA

29/12/2025 10:23:29