Amman: The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply has launched a national Training of Trainers (TOT) program focusing on digital trade. This initiative, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and under the "Promoting E-Commerce and Digital Trade in the MENA Region" project, is implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
According to Jordan News Agency, the program is designed to create a national network of trainers and consultants specializing in digital trade. These experts will provide technical and advisory support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly within the services sector. The initiative aims to develop digital operations for these businesses, enhancing their access to both regional and global markets.
The curriculum includes digital marketing, content creation, e-pricing strategies, electronic payment systems, logistics, and inventory management. Participants who fulfill the program requirements will receive international certification from the ITC. They will then enter a practical phase, mentoring service-sector SMEs to accelerate their digital transformation.
Dana Al-Zoubi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, stated that the program aligns with government directives to hasten the digital transformation of the national economy. It aims to boost the competitiveness of Jordanian companies and enhance service exports. The initiative supports the second phase of the National E-Commerce Strategy (2026-2029) and the National Export Strategy, both of which focus on building digital capabilities and expanding international market reach.
Al-Zoubi highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships for the program's success, commending the role of chambers of commerce and industry, along with business development associations, in recognizing enterprise needs and providing sustainable development services.
In a related development, the ministry concluded the first phase of the TechForward program. This initiative, implemented in cooperation with the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) and GIZ's "Innovative Private Sector Development Approaches for Employment Promotion (I-PSD)" project, saw participation from representatives across the public and private sectors, higher education institutions, and companies.
TechForward is a national initiative aimed at strengthening the innovation ecosystem and fostering public-private-academic partnerships. It aligns scientific research with market needs to support company growth, in line with the National E-Commerce Strategy, industrial policy, and the Economic Modernization Vision. The first phase engaged 17 Jordanian universities to bridge the gap between higher education and the private sector.
The program successfully connected over 60 graduation projects with 35 Jordanian companies across various sectors. This connection allowed students to tackle real-world business challenges and convert their graduation projects into practical, innovative solutions. The ministry confirmed its ongoing support for the second phase of the program to build on these results, reinforcing Jordan's position as a regional hub for innovation.