
As the global digital economy faces a critical turning point, the upcoming EU-Jordan Investment Forum—scheduled for April 21, 2026, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah, serves as a vital catalyst for international cooperation. Organised by the Ministry of Investment in partnership with the European Union, this high-level gathering will bring together European leaders including the President of the European Commission at the Dead Sea to forge a sustainable path for shared digital prosperity.
At the heart of this forum lies the response to a formidable global challenge: the “talent crunch” and the pursuit of “desired economic growth” for all. Projections indicate a global shortage of 85 million unfilled positions by 2030, which could lead to $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenue.
The European Union is acutely feeling this pressure; while many European companies have traditionally turned toward other tech hubs, Jordan has emerged as a unique and suitable partner, offering a level of stability and strategic alignment that often surpasses other destinations. Furthermore, there is a profound need and immense opportunity for the growth of private sector companies in both Europe and Jordan.
The ICT Association of Jordan – intaj is keenly aware of this rising international demand. Rather than competing solely on labor costs, the industry is focused on positioning Jordan as a premier destination for outsourcing excellence. The Kingdom’s tech workforce has experienced an extraordinary surge, growing from around 17,000 employees in 2018 to more than 46,000 in 2025. This growth is boosted by a government that provides a highly competitive incentive package, including a 5% income tax on IT activities and a 0% sales tax on IT service sales as well as 0% income tax on export profit
Beyond the workforce, Jordan offers a strategic gateway to a market of 400 million Arabic speakers, providing European companies with a launchpad for regional expansion. This potential is maximized through a strategic “Win-Win-Win” initiative designed to be fruitful for all stakeholders. This framework creates a triple-success path: Jordanian youth gain access to high-value global projects through Jordanian tech companies; the local technology sector enhances its maturity through international collaboration and increase of export value which leads to their growth; and EU companies secure a reliable, highly skilled digital workforce to bridge their specific supply gaps, and get access to a large market, many of its countries are in need of digital transformation.
By choosing Jordan over traditional tech markets, European companies are not just filling vacancies; they are entering a partnership based on synergy and digital excellence. As we convene on April 21, the message is clear: the “Win-Win-Win” approach is the most effective roadmap for turning the global talent crisis into a shared victory for the EU-Jordanian partnership.
Nidal Bitar is CEO of ICT Association of Jordan — intaj








