The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided a significant JOD 10 million loan to the Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH) in Jordan. This substantial financing initiative is aimed at bolstering the country's digital infrastructure, a key step in supporting Jordan's economic development and its integration into the global digital economy. The financing specifically targets the full fit-out and expansion of ADH’s existing data centre facilities. This includes the vital process of settling supplier commitments, ensuring smooth operations and the timely acquisition of necessary equipment and services. A key component of this investment is the construction of a second hall, which will significantly increase the data centre's capacity and operational capabilities, allowing it to meet growing demand for digital services.
In addition to the direct financial injection, the EBRD’s full financing package will be strategically complemented by a grant from its Finance and Technology Transfer Centre for Climate Change (FINTECC). This grant is specifically designed to support and incentivize the adoption of advanced green technologies within the expanded data centre facilities. This commitment to sustainable practices shows a broader effort to integrate environmental responsibility into infrastructure development, ensuring that Jordan's digital growth is both strong and eco-friendly. The integration of such technologies is expected to reduce the environmental footprint of the data centre, aligning with international best practices for energy efficiency and sustainability in the digital sector.
Aqaba Digital Hub's Strategic Role
Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH) plays a key role in Jordan's digital landscape. It operates the nation’s largest Tier 3, carrier neutral data centre, which is a critical piece of the country's overall digital infrastructure. This designation as a Tier 3 facility signifies a high level of reliability and redundancy, ensuring continuous operation and minimal downtime, which is essential for businesses and critical services. Being carrier neutral means that ADH provides connectivity options from multiple telecommunications carriers, offering flexibility and competitive choices to its clients.
The company's strategic importance extends beyond its data centre operations. ADH manages a diverse range of essential assets, including its advanced data centre, extensive fibre-optic networks, and key subsea cables. These assets collectively form the backbone of Jordan's digital connectivity, facilitating both regional and international data traffic. The integrated management of these components ensures smooth and strong communication pathways for various users, from local enterprises to international corporations.
Among its key infrastructure projects, ADH undertook the joint construction of the Coral Bridge subsea cable in partnership with Telecom Egypt. This significant undersea cable project establishes a direct and high-capacity link, connecting Jordan to both the African continent and Europe. This connection is vital for enhancing data flow, communication capabilities, and digital commerce across these geographically diverse regions. It positions Jordan as an important transit point for digital information. Further solidifying its strategic position as a regional digital gateway, ADH functions as the key landing station for the Blue Raman Subsea Cable System. This advanced system is meticulously designed to provide extensive connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. By serving as its landing station, Aqaba is strategically positioned as a central hub for intercontinental digital traffic, significantly boosting its role in the global digital network and enhancing its appeal for international businesses seeking reliable connectivity.
Digital Academy and Skill Development
A key component of the financing package for the Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH) is the inclusion of dedicated technical assistance. This assistance is specifically allocated to support the establishment and successful launch of the Aqaba Digital Academy. This innovative academy is being designed to provide specialized training programs, focusing on the high-demand fields of information and communications technology (ICT) and cybersecurity. The initiative aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the digital economy.
The Academy's curriculum is being carefully developed to address identified critical skill gaps within Jordan's digital sector. By offering targeted and relevant training, the academy aims to equip participants with the advanced expertise and practical skills required for modern digital economies. This proactive approach to skill development is essential for fostering innovation and competitiveness within the country. A core and explicit objective of the Aqaba Digital Academy is to prioritize and actively promote skills development among women and young people. This particular emphasis seeks to foster greater inclusivity and to significantly expand opportunities for these demographic groups within the rapidly evolving technology landscape. By empowering women and youth with essential digital skills, the academy contributes directly to building a more diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce in the region, thereby enhancing social equity and economic participation.
EU and EBRD Partnership Framework
The substantial investment package for the Aqaba Digital Hub benefits significantly from a first-loss guarantee provided under the European Union’s EFSD+ Guarantee Digital Transformation Platform. This guarantee mechanism is a testament to the strong collaborative framework between the EU and the EBRD, aiming to de-risk investments in critical sectors. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) initiated its operational activities in Jordan in 2012, marking the beginning of a significant partnership focused on economic development and reform.
Since its inception in Jordan, the EBRD has demonstrated a strong commitment to the country's growth, having committed more than €2.2 billion across a total of 84 diverse projects. This extensive portfolio notes the breadth of the EBRD's engagement and its dedication to supporting various sectors of the Jordanian economy. Notably, a significant proportion of these projects, specifically over 70 per cent, have been directed towards the private sector. This focus shows the EBRD's strategy of fostering private enterprise, promoting market-oriented economies, and stimulating sustainable economic growth through private investment.
The EFSD+ platform, which provides the key first-loss guarantee for this project, was formally established in June 2021. This platform represents a cornerstone of the European Union's external investment strategy. It holds a substantial total global guarantee capacity of €39.8 billion, which is designated to support strategic investments for the period spanning from 2021 to 2027. This significant financial backing allows for ambitious projects across various regions. A substantial portion of this capacity, specifically €22.5 billion, is strategically allocated for use within the European Union’s enlargement and neighbourhood regions. This allocation reflects the EU's commitment to supporting its immediate neighbours and candidate countries, fostering stability, economic development, and digital transformation in these areas.
Official Reactions and Future Outlook
The formal signing of this key financing agreement took place in Jordan, marking an important milestone for the project. The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Gretchen Biery, the distinguished Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Jordan, representing the Bank's commitment to the region. Also present was Dubravka Šuica, the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, whose presence showed the European Union's strategic interest and support for digital transformation in the Mediterranean basin. Eyad Abu Khorma, the Chief Executive Officer of Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH), signed on behalf of the recipient, noting the company's central role in Jordan's digital future. The signing was conducted in the esteemed presence of Zeina Toukan, Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, further emphasizing the Jordanian government's endorsement and strategic alignment with this critical infrastructure development.
This significant investment aligns smoothly with broader regional initiatives designed to foster cooperation and development. Among these, the Pact for the Mediterranean stands out as a key framework. This ambitious pact was officially launched in November 2025, outlining a full framework for enhanced cooperation and sustainable development across the entire Mediterranean region. Such strategic partnerships, like the one facilitating the Aqaba Digital Hub's expansion, are instrumental in achieving the shared goals of enhancing digital infrastructure, boosting economic resilience, and promoting regional integration within Jordan and its neighbouring countries. The project is expected to contribute significantly to these overarching objectives, creating a more connected and prosperous future for the region.
