Country
Jordan

Local project partner
Ahli Microfinance Company
Microfund for Women
National Microfinance Bank 
Business Development Center
Theodor-Schneller-School

German project partner
Sparkasse Offenburg/Ortenau

Donor
BMZ

Duration
01.10.2020 - 30.06.2025

Jordan has limited natural resources and a poorly developed industry. The country's economy depends heavily on loans and financial aid from abroad. Despite stable general conditions, Jordan's per capita income has declined in recent years. On the one hand this is due to strong population growth. On the other hand, regional instability has led to the loss of important trade routes and partners. The political crises in neighboring countries have also led to an increase in immigration from these countries.

Unemployment is high, especially among the younger population and refugees, who are often limited in their ability to pursue formal occupations. Women can participate in economic life only to a limited extent. Poverty currently affects more than 15 % of the population, and the trend is upward.

The economic problems are further exacerbated by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are particularly affected by the crisis, as they do not have adequate financial reserves to cushion the economic impact. Promoting employment, creating jobs, and strengthening players in the financial sector are thus key issues for the government of Jordan.

The aim of the project is to improve the socio-economic living conditions of the population by strengthening the resilience of segments of the population particularly affected by crises, especially by creating and maintaining jobs.

The target groups of the project are poor and vulnerable groups, especially women, graduates of education and/or training, micro and small enterprises, individual entrepreneurs, and other disadvantaged groups of Jordanian and non-Jordanian origin. The target groups are supported by MFIs (microfinance institutions), which provide adapted financial products, as well as by other institutions, which offer training and counseling to the target group.

Project Tasks

In the first main phase of the project, work is being done with established contacts and partners to sustainably transform the financial sector and improve training and employment, especially for young people in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.