Amman, Sept. 9 (Petra) -- More than 60 percent of Jordanian information and communications technology (ICT) companies are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their products and services, while 20 percent are developing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, according to Ziad Al-Masri, Chief Programs Officer at the ICT Association of Jordan- int@j,

Speaking during the "Discover Jordan Digital 2026" event, organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Al-Masri said the expansion of 5G networks is supporting the growth of IoT applications. He identified fintech, cloud services, and IT and business process outsourcing as other areas with potential for sector growth.

According to Al-Masri, Jordan ranks 29th globally in the AI Adoption Index and 49th globally and second in the Arab world in the Global Index on Responsible AI. The Kingdom is also classified in the top "Role-Modelling" category of the Global Cybersecurity Index issued by the International Telecommunication Union, and ranks fifth in the National Cybersecurity Index with a score of 93.33 points.

Al-Masri also highlighted Jordan’s standing in a number of international digital indicators. The Kingdom ranks 21st globally and fourth in the Arab world in the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index, and 65th globally and sixth in the Arab world in the Global Innovation Index. It also ranks 44th globally in digital competitiveness and 15th in business resilience.

On opportunities to expand digital services, Al-Masri said growing demand for cloud infrastructure, software-as-a-service and data centers in the region is providing opportunities for Jordanian companies. He also pointed to the expansion of digital payment solutions and financial inclusion initiatives, building on Jordan’s experience with mobile payment systems.

Jordan has 3.03 million e-wallet users and 3 million digital identities through the "Sanad" application. The number of social media users stands at 6.8 million, while 97.5 percent of households have smartphones.

Al-Masri said this digital environment is supported by investment in infrastructure, including the expansion of fiber-optic networks and data centers and the commercial launch of 5G services in 2023. Average mobile internet speeds stand at 47.39 megabits per second, compared with 186.38 Mbps for fixed internet.

The ICT sector generates annual revenues of more than $4.1 billion, contributes 4 percent to GDP, comprises more than 2,000 active companies, and provides more than 46,000 direct jobs.

He said the sector is one of the pillars of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and digital transformation efforts. The vision aims to increase employment in the sector to 101,000 by 2033, reflecting the scope for further growth in digital businesses and services.

On the workforce supporting the sector, Al-Masri said 81 percent of universities offer ICT-related programs, while 22 percent of graduates hold degrees in information technology, computer science and engineering. Women account for more than 40 percent of graduates in ICT-related fields.

University programs cover a range of specializations. Computer science is offered by 28 universities, software engineering by 19, and cybersecurity and network security by 18. Fifteen universities offer programs in data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Al-Masri linked the availability of these skills to opportunities to expand outsourcing services. Jordan’s service portfolio includes cybersecurity, data services, business services, application and software development, and infrastructure, supported by qualified professionals, a multilingual workforce and experience serving international markets.

On investment, Al-Masri said incentives available to ICT activities include reducing income tax to 5 percent, exempting export income from income tax, and applying a zero sales tax rate to domestic ICT services and to goods and services used in production. Production inputs are also exempt from customs duties, while the minimum foreign-investor capital contribution requirement has been removed.

Established in 2000, Int@j continues to represent ICT companies and promote their contribution to the national economy through eight areas of work, including advocacy and engagement on legislation and policies, enabling the digital economy and access to data and information, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, developing skills, expanding into markets, strengthening outsourcing services, and empowering women in technology.

//Petra//WH

09/09/2026 10:33:27