The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) launched a workshop dedicated to the midterm review of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023–2028), attended by representatives from ministries, public and private sector institutions, and international organizations.
The workshop forms part of national efforts to advance financial inclusion across the Kingdom and solidify a collaborative approach uniting government entities, the financial and banking sector, the private sector, civil society organizations, and international partner agencies. It aims to evaluate progress made under the strategy’s action plans, review key achievements, identify critical challenges and gaps, and address priorities and necessary measures for the strategy’s remaining phase.
In opening remarks delivered on behalf of the CBJ Governor, Deputy Governor Khaldoun Al-Weshah affirmed that the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and its action plans (2023–2028) directly support the Economic Modernization Vision and its executive program (2026–2029). The strategy seeks to implement policies and programs designed to drive sustainable economic growth alongside inclusive socio-economic development benefiting diverse business sectors and population segments.
Al-Weshah noted that the current strategy builds upon the success of Jordan’s first National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2018–2020), which drove measurable progress across several indicators. Notably, the percentage of adults holding financial accounts with formal financial institutions increased from 33.1% to 43.1%, while the gender gap in account ownership narrowed from 53% to 22%, alongside attaining various qualitative and quantitative targets.
By the end of 2028, the current strategy targets increasing adult financial account ownership to 65%, reducing the gender gap in account ownership to 12%, and boosting account ownership among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to 75%.
Al-Weshah emphasized that achieving these targets is a shared national responsibility. He added that success hinges on sustained, effective partnerships among stakeholders to reinforce collective ownership and translate goals into tangible, sustainable outcomes that foster a more inclusive, efficient financial sector responsive to the needs of individuals and businesses.
The workshop is set to focus on reviewing implementation progress, assessing overall impact, identifying overlaps and structural gaps, and refining timelines, key performance indicators, and organizational responsibilities to yield actionable recommendations and clear commitments for the remaining strategy period.
Lama Samhouri, Executive Director of the Financial Consumer Protection Department, explained that workshop sessions will review progress across each team’s action plan, examine achievements, evaluate underlying causes of challenges, and set priorities for the next phase.
Workshop sessions will continue with the participation of heads and members of the strategy’s working groups alongside national stakeholders to produce practical recommendations that advance financial inclusion and realize the strategy’s 2028 targets.
Al Mamlaka
