Jordan Leads Arab World in Cybersecurity, Ranks 20th Worldwide
▼ Summary
– Jordan ranks first in the Arab world and 20th globally in cybersecurity with a 98.6% score on the Global Cybersecurity Index.
– The country’s ICT sector includes 2,000 specialized companies and 450 startups, employing over 46,000 people and contributing JD3.6 billion to the economy.
– Jordan benefits from a strong talent pipeline, with 7,000–8,000 ICT and engineering graduates annually and 40% of ICT graduates being women.
– International companies like Amazon and Microsoft have regional hubs in Jordan, which also produces nearly 75% of Arabic digital content online.
– The government supports ICT growth with reduced 5% tax rates, free trade agreements, and initiatives in digital payments, health, tourism, and renewable energy.
Jordan has secured the top position for cybersecurity across the Arab world and an impressive 20th place globally, as confirmed by Nidal Bitar, CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan. This recognition, based on a score of 98.6% in the Global Cybersecurity Index, was shared during the Invest in Digital Economy Forum in Amman, which centered on advancing a sustainable digital economy through transformation.
Bitar credited this outstanding achievement to the remarkable skill of Jordan’s young professionals and its vibrant ICT firms. He pointed out that the nation competes effectively on the world stage despite its relatively small geographic and demographic scale. Today, Jordan’s ICT industry includes roughly 2,000 specialized companies and 450 startups, providing jobs for more than 46,000 individuals and contributing JD3.6 billion to the national economy.
A significant demographic advantage supports this growth. Each year, between 7,000 and 8,000 students graduate with ICT and engineering degrees from 39 universities and 51 community colleges. Programs in information and communication technology are available at 81% of the country’s universities. Notably, women represent 40% of ICT graduates, positioning Jordan as a regional leader in gender inclusion within the technology sector.
The country also enjoys broad access to international markets, supported by 56 investment agreements and 8 free trade pacts that grant full customs exemptions for ICT offerings. Domestically, a reduced tax rate of 5% for ICT businesses, compared to the standard 20%, enhances Jordan’s attractiveness as a regional center for technology investment.
Global confidence in Jordan is evident from the presence of major international players such as Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, Huawei, and Concentrix, all of which have established regional operations in the Kingdom. Additionally, Jordan is responsible for producing close to 75% of all Arabic digital content available online.
Entrepreneurship is flourishing nationwide, with platforms like StartupsJo.com highlighting more than 470 startups. This dynamic environment is further enriched by accelerators, incubators, and dedicated investment funds that support new ventures.
Bitar emphasized Jordan’s growing expertise in several key technological fields, including cybersecurity, big data, software development, mobile applications, and financial technology. Government initiatives promoting a cashless society, such as the CliQ digital payment system, provide strong backing for these specialties. He also identified promising prospects in digital health, tourism, e-learning, logistics, especially in Aqaba, and renewable energy, which includes innovative green hydrogen projects.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
