Case Study: Promoting Digital Inclusion in Jordan
Digital inclusion is crucial for equitable development in Jordan. Despite a high internet rate, disparities persist. Haitham Dahboor takes us in a journey to discover the process, challenges and outputs behind a new policy memo to enhance the Jordan's Digital Inclusion Policy, suggesting practical steps and incorporating global insights to ensure equitable digital access.
Written by
Haitham Dahboor
31 December 2024
Digital inclusion is essential for achieving equitable and sustainable development in Jordan. Despite an internet penetration rate of 88%,（https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-jordan） structural inequalities—such as economic disparities, rural-urban divides, gender inequities, and gaps in education and awareness—continue to limit access to digital technologies. To address these challenges, the Jordan Open Source Association (JOSA), with support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), developed and published a policy memo that complements the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship’s (MODEE)Jordanian Digital Inclusion Policy and Implementation Plan 2025.（https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-jordan）
The policy memo identifies actionable recommendations to address key barriers and promote equitable access to digital technologies. The initiative adopted a collaborative and evidence-based approach, incorporating desk research, consultations, and stakeholder feedback sessions. JOSA also hosted a session in Portugal at the Global Gathering（https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Global_Gathering_2024） to identify global best practices in digital inclusion and collected localized insights and feedback through a workshop in Amman.
The resulting policy recommendations aim to foster inclusivity and equity within Jordan’s digital landscape. This case study outlines the methodology, key outcomes, and lessons learned, providing a replicable model for advancing digital inclusion efforts.
Background
Digital inclusion is defined by the United Nations（https://www.un.org/techenvoy/sites/www.un.org.techenvoy/files/general/Definition_Digital-Inclusion.pdf） as, “equitable, meaningful, and safe access to use, lead, and design of digital technologies, services, and associated opportunities for everyone, everywhere.” In Jordan, however, significant barriers impede achieving this goal. Despite an 88% internet penetration rate（https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-jordan） and the adoption of initiatives like theNational Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023-2028)（https://www.cbj.gov.jo/EN/NewsDetails/The_Launch_of_the_National_Financial_Inclusion_Strategy_%282023-2028%29?）, Jordan faces pronounced digital divides driven by economic inequality, gender disparity, and rural-urban gaps.
Rural communities often struggle with inadequate digital infrastructure, while economically disadvantaged populations face high costs for devices and connectivity. Moreover, traditional gender roles contribute to limited digital access for women, reinforcing societal inequities. Youth, though representing a large segment of the population, require targeted skill-building initiatives to compete in an increasingly digital job market.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MODEE) has developed a new digital inclusion policy to reduce these disparities and published it for public consultation in November 2024. Complementing this effort, the Jordan Open Source Association (JOSA) prepared a policy memo to guide and support the process while reviewing the MODEE’s policy to ensure it aligns with principles of inclusivity and equity.
Methodology & Process
JOSA adopted a multi-phase methodology to inform and enhance Jordan’s digital inclusion policy. The process began with comprehensive desk research, analyzing digital inclusion policies from the MENA region, alongside international frameworks from institutions like the European Union and the United Nations. This research aimed to identify best practices and existing gaps that could inform Jordan’s context-specific digital inclusion efforts.
Following the research phase, JOSA conducted targeted consultations to gather diverse perspectives and ensure the policy’s inclusivity. JOSA organized a feedback session at the Global Gathering in Portugal, bringing together experts from countries such as Tunisia, Argentina, The Gambia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. These discussions facilitated a valuable exchange of experiences and insights on advancing digital inclusion globally, which brought together 18 participants, including local stakeholders such as government representatives, private sector actors, women’s rights organizations, civil society groups, and academics. This workshop served to gather localized feedback and address structural challenges specific to Jordan’s digital landscape.
Building on the insights from research and consultations, JOSA developed a policy memo（https://josa.ngo/publications/68） that addressed key barriers to digital inclusion.