Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation has signed three grant agreements worth €35 million with the German Development Bank (KfW) to expand employment opportunities by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The funding is part of the “Employment through Local Entrepreneurship” project, aimed at creating sustainable jobs and enhancing women’s economic inclusion across the Kingdom.
The grants will help finance MSMEs, which form the backbone of Jordan’s private sector, with a particular focus on supporting women-led businesses. The initiative is aligned with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision, which prioritises entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.
Signed in the presence of German Ambassador Bertram von Moltke and KfW’s Jordan Office Director Matthias Schmidt-Rosen, the agreement underscores Germany’s commitment to driving job creation and private sector growth in Jordan.
“By enabling MSMEs to grow, we aim to create formal, sustainable employment while advancing women’s economic empowerment,” said Schmidt-Rosen.
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan welcomed the support, calling it a vital contribution to improving access to finance and encouraging entrepreneurship, especially for women.
With youth unemployment and gender workforce gaps continuing to challenge Jordan’s labour market, the grants are expected to drive inclusive job creation by strengthening local enterprises and increasing the participation of women in economic activity.