AGP Executive Report

Agriculture Finance: Jordan’s Agricultural Credit Corporation says it provided JD45m in 2026 financing to 8,278 borrowers, and is shifting toward a more flexible, tech-enabled model to simplify procedures and speed delivery, with focus on smart farming, water-saving tech, mechanization and value-added food projects. Census Prep: Jordan’s 2026 Population and Housing Census is set to start Oct. 1, with electronic self-enumeration via the Sanad app (Oct. 1-3) and field counting by about 12,000 researchers (Oct. 4-31), covering demographics, housing and employment while keeping income disclosure out of the questionnaire. Water Carrier Industry: Welspun Corp signed an MoU with Perma-Pipe and National Water Carrier project developers to explore a Jordan JV for pipe manufacturing and anti-corrosion coating facilities, aiming to serve water, energy and infrastructure needs regionally. Regional Security: Jordan says it intercepted and destroyed Iranian ballistic missiles entering its airspace, as US-Iran tensions intensify around the Strait of Hormuz and shipping risks rise. Tech & Climate: A global AI x City Climate Action Hackathon invites innovators to build practical AI tools for urban decarbonization and resilience, with a focus on transport efficiency, informal settlement protection and climate misinformation. Local Tech Leadership: Crown Prince Hussein met Irbid sector leaders, urging investment and highlighting technology as a priority for youth empowerment and economic stability.

Census Rollout: Jordan’s 2026 Population and Housing Census will start Oct. 1 with electronic self-enumeration via the Sanad app (Oct. 1–3), followed by field counting from Oct. 4–31, led by about 12,000 researchers across roughly 1.08M buildings; officials stress confidentiality and identity checks. Water Infrastructure Push: The National Water Carrier is moving from planning toward implementation, with Cabinet approval for a steel pipe manufacturing and insulation plant (up to JD120M) tied to the carrier, plus a separate JV plan where Welspun and Perma-Pipe aim to build local pipe and anti-corrosion coating capacity. Tech & Investment Focus: Crown Prince Hussein met Irbid stakeholders, urging investment and support for young people in areas including technology, tourism, agriculture, and sport. AI in Health: Harvard/MIT’s Global Health Catalyst Summit (Sept. 18–21) will launch an AI-enabled “cancer center in the cloud” model to connect care, research, education, and mentorship across countries. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Xi Jinping’s rare Egypt visit highlights China’s push to deepen ties amid US sanctions risks tied to Iran-linked finance. Digital Preservation Warning: An Internet Archive report says music, video games, and TV news access is vanishing as licensing and shutdowns erase public records.

National Water Carrier & Aqaba Industry: Jordan’s Cabinet moved ahead with the National Water Carrier, including a JD120m steel pipe manufacturing and coating plant (50% output for the project), aiming to secure water supplies and boost local jobs, logistics, and manufacturing tied to the water sector. Amman Traffic Crunch: Urban planning experts say Amman’s congestion is driven by population growth, sprawl, economic concentration, lagging public transport, and limited road capacity—so lasting fixes should align land use with transport, build feeder links to transit, and manage private car demand. AI Infrastructure in the Region: THine Electronics announced new ultra-low-latency optical VCSEL drivers and TIAs for PCIe6/7 to support large-scale AI datacenters—an example of the tech race that Jordan’s AI ambitions will need to match. Business Support Expansion: LATRO appointed AGI Jordan (Kreston Global member) to handle accounting, payroll, and tax support after its Amman expansion. Regional Energy Shock Watch: Renewed US-Iran hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil higher and raised shipping-risk headlines that can quickly spill into Jordan’s energy and supply outlook.

Regional Security: The US resumed strikes on Iran’s Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, after claims that Iranian forces were preparing rockets with sea mines; Iran retaliated by striking US bases in Jordan, while Trump posted an AI-generated video about Kharg Island that US officials said was not backed by an actual strike. Jordan Energy Planning: Energy experts are urging Jordan to publish a clear winter supply plan that diversifies sources and boosts domestic options like Risha gas and solar, with contingency steps to protect imports and reserves amid regional instability. AI & Digital Services: Jordan is positioned to become a regional AI and digital services hub, but analysts say it needs a coordinated national strategy to turn tech strengths into exportable services. ICT & E-Government: The Sanad app continues to be highlighted as a model of integrated e-services, reflecting how Jordan’s digital transformation accelerated after COVID-19. Water & Infrastructure: Jordan’s water security push remains in focus, with attention on reducing losses and preparing roads and systems for the rainy season. Arab Media Summit: Jordan’s government communication minister will join the Arab Media Summit in Dubai (Sept 15–17, 2026), with the agenda shaped by rapid tech and AI-driven changes in media.

Energy Security: Jordanian energy experts are urging a clear national winter supply plan that covers regional instability scenarios, boosts domestic options like Risha gas and solar, and keeps imports diversified (including keeping Iraqi crude flowing as a backup). AI & Digital Services: A World Bank-linked push argues Jordan can become a regional hub for exporting AI-enabled digital services, but only with a coordinated national strategy to turn tech strengths into scalable offerings. E-Government Upgrade: The “Sanad” app is framed as a turning point in e-services, evolving from a digital ID into a broader integrated platform—highlighting the need for agencies to keep pace with tech-driven service delivery. Water Infrastructure Industry: The Cabinet approved a JD120m steel pipe manufacturing and insulation plant for the National Water Carrier Project, targeting 420 local jobs and supplying future water, gas and pumping works. Universities Governance: The Education and Human Resources Development Council recommended board chair and trustee appointments for public universities for a four-year term. Regional Shockwaves: US-Iran tensions are spilling into Jordan’s security environment after strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and reported missile attacks involving Jordan-based targets.

Water Security & Industry: The Cabinet approved a JD120m steel pipe manufacturing and coating plant to support Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, targeting 420 local jobs and supplying pipes for water, gas and pumping projects. Digital Government: Jordan’s Sanad app has activated 1.1 million digital IDs in eight months, while digitisation reached 86.4% of services (2,073 out of 2,400), with satisfaction rising to about 85%. Education Governance: The Education and Human Resources Development Council recommended Cabinet appointments for university trustees’ boards, covering both public and private universities. Tourism & Space: Wadi Rum is pushing global recognition through astro-tourism, with astronomical and nighttime activities estimated to add at least JD3m annually to the local economy. STEM & Research Culture: Jordan’s industrial exports grew 8.9% in H1 2026 to JD4.4b, led by chemicals/cosmetics and gains in engineering, electrical and information technology. Environment & Planning: Experts say reducing water loss is now central to national water security as the carrier project nears implementation, with the 2040 target of 25% loss requiring long-term discipline.

Jordan Industry Update: Jordan’s industrial exports climbed 8.9% in H1 2026 to JD4.4b, up about JD400m year-on-year, with chemicals & cosmetics leading (+11.4% to JD1.042b) and construction surging (+82.1% to JD137m). Digital Government: The Sanad app hit 1.1m activated digital IDs in eight months and qualified for the final stage of the Digital@UNGA Awards 2026, as Jordan pushes digitisation of services (86.4% complete). Infrastructure & Climate Readiness: The Ministry of Public Works and Housing says it’s taking a proactive, climate-adaptation approach for the rainy season—shifting from emergency fixes to preventive engineering like culverts, retaining walls and stormwater drainage. Regional Tech & Security: Turkey’s homegrown drones keep spreading across the region, with recent reports highlighting their use and counter-use in conflicts. Credit & Confidence: S&P affirmed Jordan’s sovereign credit rating at BB- with a stable outlook, boosting investor confidence, officials say.

Digital Government: Jordan’s Sanad app has qualified for the final stage of the Digital@UNGA Awards 2026, after reaching the top 15 in the Digital Government category, as the government pushes wider access to online services. Infrastructure Resilience: The Ministry of Public Works and Housing says it’s taking a more proactive, climate-adaptation approach to rainy-season road readiness, shifting from emergency fixes to preventive engineering across high-risk sites. Industrial Exports: Jordan Chamber of Industry data shows national industrial exports rose 8.9% in H1 2026 to JD4.4b, with chemical & cosmetics leading gains and exports to key markets like the UAE, China, Switzerland, and Iraq accelerating. Trade Momentum: Separate export figures point to overall exports up 6.2% in H1 to JOD 4.667b, with re-exports up 44.6%, and economists urging more value-add and market diversification to sustain growth. Credit Confidence: Experts say S&P’s affirmation of Jordan’s BB- sovereign rating with a stable outlook supports investor confidence and highlights the need to speed up major projects and strengthen the private sector. Tech & Security Watch: A new report highlights how Turkey’s homegrown armed drones are spreading across the Arab world, underscoring the region’s fast-moving defense tech landscape.

Digital Government: Jordan’s Sanad app has qualified for the final stage of the Digital@UNGA Awards 2026, placing among the top 15 shortlisted projects worldwide in the Digital Government category, with winners due to be announced Sept. 21 at UN headquarters in New York. Climate-Ready Infrastructure: The Ministry of Public Works and Housing says it’s using a proactive, climate-focused plan to improve road readiness for extreme rain, including monitoring problem sites and preventative works like culverts, retaining walls, gabions, and stormwater drainage. Jordan–China Tech & Security: A security expert warns that Jordan’s expanding digital and AI ties with China could raise long-term intelligence and cybersecurity risks for Israel along the eastern border, even as Jordan maintains close Western relations. Education & Research: Applied Science Private University’s leadership says its rise in global rankings is driven by sustained work across labs, updated curricula, patents, and competition-linked admissions, aiming to match labor-market needs. ICT Milestone: Umniah marks its int@j’s 25th anniversary as a platinum sponsor, highlighting continued support for Jordan’s ICT journey.

Jordan–China Tech & Security: Chinese investments in Jordan’s digital infrastructure are raising cybersecurity and intelligence concerns for Israel, especially along the Jordan Valley, as Jordan deepens AI and digital-economy ties with Beijing. ICT Sector Milestone: Umniah by Beyon joined int@j’s 25th anniversary as a Platinum Sponsor, highlighting 20 years of network and digital infrastructure investment plus services spanning cybersecurity, cloud, and IoT. Higher Education & Research: Applied Science Private University says its rise in global rankings comes from sustained work on research capacity, updated curricula and labs, and stronger links to the labor market—backed by patents and international competitions. Tourism Tech Infrastructure: Amman’s Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car project is moving ahead with preparatory works in downtown, with officials stressing heritage protection while aiming to boost tourism and connect key sites. Science & Astronomy: Jordanian astronomer Imad Majid points to Canopus (Suhail) visibility in early September as a traditional seasonal marker for cooling weather and possible rainfall.

China–Jordan Tech Push: King Abdullah II’s Beijing visit focused on deepening cooperation in the digital economy, AI, green energy, science and technology, with Xi urging alignment of development strategies. Security Watch: A Middle East security expert warns that Chinese investments in Jordan’s digital infrastructure could raise intelligence and cybersecurity risks for Israel, especially near the Jordan Valley. ICT Milestone: Umniah by Beyon marked int@j’s 25th anniversary as a Platinum Sponsor, highlighting 25 years of support for Jordan’s connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT and digital transformation. Transport Upgrade in Amman: A new station complex is planned to link Amman’s BRT network with the Amman–Zarqa corridor and Raghadan bus station, with construction set to run about 730 days. Tourism vs Heritage: Preparatory work has started for the Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car, drawing calls to protect Amman’s historic and archaeological identity. Water Readiness: Jordan’s dams are entering winter preparation with year-round maintenance and safety readiness efforts ahead of the rainy season. Public Finance Pressure: Economist Mohammad Al-Bashir argues Jordan’s crisis needs a rethink of public-finance tools, warning that sales tax, borrowing and debt-service costs squeeze purchasing power. Astronomy & Seasons: Jordanian astronomer Imad Majid says Canopus visibility signals the seasonal shift toward September rainfall. Automotive Launch: Al Bustanji Group launched Lynk & Co in Jordan, unveiling the Lynk & Co 900 and positioning the brand around advanced tech and a new luxury experience.

Jordan–China Tech Push: In Beijing, King Abdullah II and Xi Jinping stressed deeper alignment on development strategies, with new focus on the digital economy, AI, green energy, science and technology, and tourism—framing it as practical partnership building, not a one-off visit. ICT Sector Milestone: Umniah by Beyon joined int@j’s 25th anniversary as a Platinum Sponsor, highlighting 20+ years of investment in networks, cloud, cybersecurity and IoT to support Jordan’s digital transformation. Transport Upgrade in Amman: A new station complex (JD 33m) is planned to connect Amman’s BRT network and the Amman–Zarqa corridor to Raghadan station, with construction set to run about 730 days. Water Security Readiness: Jordan’s dams are moving into winter-prep mode, with year-round maintenance across drainage and stormwater systems as rainfall patterns grow more erratic. Climate-Smart Farming: Jordan and FAO signed an agreement to train farmers via field schools and water-efficient practices under a Green Climate Fund-backed project. Astronomy & Seasons: Jordanian astronomer Imad Majid says Canopus visibility in early September signals the seasonal shift and easing summer heat.

Jordan–China Tech Push: King Abdullah II’s China visit (Aug 18–24) focused on shifting ties toward technology localisation, with agreements spanning the digital economy, AI, green energy, and broader investment and research links. Green Transition: Jordan and China also signed an environment and climate MoU covering biodiversity, pollution control, waste (including plastic), marine protection, climate mitigation/adaptation, and environmental impact assessments. Water Security Prep: As Jordan’s rainy season nears, the Jordan Valley Authority is ramping up year-round dam and stormwater readiness, with an annual dam safety report due by month-end. Public Transport Upgrade: Amman’s new station complex (33m dinars) is set to connect BRT lines and link to Raghadan station, with construction planned over 730 days. Climate-Smart Farming: Jordan’s Agriculture Ministry and FAO signed a deal to train farmers via 44 field schools and 44 field days, targeting water-efficient, climate-smart practices for 880 farmers. Energy Infrastructure Deal: ADFD signed financing and development agreements with Jordan, including about $300m for the general budget and a $70m gas pipeline project connecting Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities.

Climate-Smart Farming: Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture and the UN FAO signed a deal to help farmers adapt to climate change using water-efficient practices, training and “farmer field schools” in Madaba, Karak, Tafilah and Ma’an, targeting 880 farmers under the seven-year BRCCJ project funded by the Green Climate Fund. Green Cooperation with China: Jordan and China also signed an environmental and climate MoU during King Abdullah II’s China visit, setting up collaboration on biodiversity, pollution control, waste (including plastic), marine protection, climate mitigation/adaptation, and joint research, studies and training. Digital Tech in Aviation: Royal Jordanian Airlines selected Ramco Systems to digitize maintenance and fleet supply chain operations with a unified aviation software platform, aiming for paperless workflows, centralized technical documentation and audit-ready reporting. Education & Skills: BAU and UNESCO discussed expanding technical and vocational education and training, focusing on curriculum development, staff capacity building and joint projects to better match labor-market needs. Tourism Heritage Angle: Ajloun’s springs and historic water sources are being pitched as tourism and heritage trail stops, with calls to rehabilitate sites and highlight their local history for visitors.

Jordan–China Tech & Trade: King Abdullah II’s China visit wrapped with new agreements and MoUs, with a stated push into the digital economy, AI, green energy, and tech/training cooperation—amid figures showing China as Jordan’s biggest trading partner in 2025 (about $6.7B) and Chinese investment above $3B. Aviation Digitisation: Royal Jordanian Airlines selected Ramco Systems to digitise maintenance and fleet supply chain operations, aiming for a single platform, paperless workflows, and audit-ready reporting. Skills for Jobs: Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) and UNESCO discussed expanding technical and vocational education and training, including curriculum work, staff capacity building, and joint projects tied to labor-market needs. AI for Cities: A global call opened for the 2026 AI x City Climate Action Hackathon, targeting AI-assisted solutions for urban transport, informal settlements, and climate misinformation. Regional Shipping & Sanctions: China warned it will retaliate over US Iran sanctions affecting trading partners, while talks on a temporary Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor and mine-clearing continue. Local Security: Jordan-border authorities reported thwarting a weapons smuggling attempt near the Israel–Jordan border, with two suspects arrested and 10 handguns seized.

Jordan–China Tech & Industry Push: King Abdullah II wrapped up his China state visit, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation in digital economy, e-commerce, film production, tourism, media, agriculture, and engineering—plus new MoUs tied to the strategic partnership. Capital Markets Upgrade: The Amman Stock Exchange rolled out an upgraded trading system and also introduced an auction mechanism to set closing prices, aiming to modernize market operations. Digital Transformation & AI Skills: A Jordan-focused commentary highlights the need to turn tech diplomacy into real investment, production, exports, jobs, and know-how—especially in sectors like engineering and the digital economy. Education & Workforce Signals: Jordan’s King Abdullah II Fund for Development launched the “Modern Technology Horizons” project, while Jordan’s government also moved to phase out rented schools and approved new technical schools. Space Ambitions: The “Lunar Ionic Pyramids Project” proposal claims an integrated system to generate a stable artificial atmosphere on the Moon, positioning it as a long-term space habitation roadmap. Border Security Tech: Police said two suspects were arrested near the Israel–Jordan border after 10 handguns were found during a thwarted smuggling attempt.