AGP Executive Report

Digital Finance in Jordan: Egypt-born fintech Valu officially launched in Jordan in Q2 2026 after Central Bank approval, offering consumer financing and BNPL up to 60 months, with merchant partnerships across retail, e-commerce, education and electronics. Exports & Industry Push: Jordan’s national exports hit JD4.66bn in H1 2026 (+6.2%), and industry leaders are calling for more export-focused investment and public-private partnerships to lift production and jobs. Education Funding: The government fully settled accumulated debt to the University Student Support Fund, covering about JD80m, plus JD40m in direct support and nearly JD100m in arrears relief for public universities. Awqaf Revenue Plan: The Awqaf ministry valued endowment properties at about JD516m and unveiled a three-year plan to double revenue, supported by a new investment-ready database. Consumer Safety Action: Jordan’s Consumer Protection Directorate ordered a corrective programme for 188 JAC E10X vehicles after reports of sudden stops, including halting sales of stock until inspections are completed. Aqaba Inclusion Event: Aqaba hosted the “Peace Beach Bazaar” to empower people with disabilities through sales of their products, with proceeds dedicated to skills development. Energy & Trade Context: Jordan PM reviewed supply chain resilience at Aqaba ports as regional tensions continue to reshape routes and costs. Capital Markets: Amman Stock Exchange turnover reached JD13.6m on Monday; the general index rose 0.26% with the industrial sector up 1.68%.

Aqaba as Regional Logistics Hub: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired talks on keeping supply chains moving through the Port of Aqaba and Jordan’s border crossings, citing full-capacity operations, competitive handling times, and contingency plans to protect essential goods. Export Push: Jordan’s exports hit JD4.66bn in the first half, up 6.2%, with industry leaders calling for the next investment wave to be export-focused and backed by public-private partnerships. Energy Cooperation via Aqaba: Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas through Aqaba’s floating unit, regasifying LNG in Jordan and transporting it via Syria—reinforcing Jordan’s role as a regional energy hub. Water Crackdown: The Water Ministry detected and shut down multiple illegal pipelines and wells used to supply tankers, chalets, farms and car washes, with teams disconnecting lines and preparing cases for court. Fintech in Jordan: Valu’s Jordan unit officially launched its flexible payments and BNPL services after receiving its final Central Bank license. Tourism Development in Ajloun: A local study urges Ajloun to upgrade infrastructure, boost tourism and antiquities budgets, ease licensing, and support youth-led projects to diversify beyond current limits.

Aqaba Energy & Trade: Jordan’s Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba, using existing regasification infrastructure and transport through Syria, reinforcing Amman’s role as a regional energy hub. Supply Chains at Ports: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan reviewed measures to keep goods moving smoothly through the Port of Aqaba and border crossings, citing full-capacity operations and logistics alternatives to protect availability of essential commodities. Water Crackdown: The Water Authority detected new violations nationwide, including illegal pipelines used to fill tankers, sealed illegal wells selling water to farms and chalets, and illegal connections supplying agricultural ponds, a car-wash station, and homes—teams began removal and legal referrals. Fintech Milestone: Valu (via Valu Jordan) officially launched the first phase of its flexible digital payments and BNPL services after receiving its final Central Bank license. Exports to Iraq: Amman Chamber data showed Iraq became the top export destination, with JD585.2m in certified exports in the first eight months of 2026, while total certified exports rose to JD1.031bn. GCC Health Cooperation: GCC health ministers met in Bahrain to strengthen joint preparedness and medicine supply chains, while condemning Iranian attacks over impacts on lives, infrastructure, and maritime navigation. ASE Trading: The Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.36% Sunday as turnover reached JD13.4m.

Jordan’s Growth Roadmap: Crown Prince Al Hussein urged protecting stability while steering investment toward jobs, technology, exports and productivity, using Jordan’s skills as the key resource. Digital Government: A policy piece argues Jordan’s digital transformation must close a “capability gap,” saying platforms fail without staff digital literacy, cybersecurity habits, data stewardship and inclusive service delivery. Trade & Logistics: Jordan Customs Chief Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al-Akaleek inspected the Jaber Border Customs Center to speed cargo movement and push contingency plans amid the shipping crisis. Exports Watch: Amman Chamber reported certificates of origin for exports hit JD1.031bn in Jan–Aug, up 20.7%, with Iraq the top importer by value. Tourism & Environment: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited the “Blessed Tree” site and Azraq Wetland Reserve revitalisation, launching a project to develop eastern Jordan’s tourist, ecological and historical destinations. Regional Security: Jordan faces continued Iranian missile and drone pressure tied to its US alliance, with analysts noting the kingdom’s careful stance to avoid escalation.

Customs & Trade Flow: Jordan Customs Chief Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al-Akaleek made an unannounced visit to the Jaber Border Customs Center to assess the shipping crisis, pushing for practical, fast fixes and contingency plans to keep cargo moving smoothly. Exports & Business Activity: The Amman Chamber of Commerce reported export certificates of origin rising 20.7% in Jan–Aug to JD1.031 billion, with 30,154 certificates issued (+12.9%), led by Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. Tourism Development: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited the “Blessed Tree” site and the Azraq Wetland Reserve revitalisation project, ordering a broader eastern Jordan plan to build integrated tourist destinations and boost local economic benefits. Regional Risk for Industry: Jordan’s US alliance is again in the spotlight as Iranian strikes target military sites, raising uncertainty for logistics and cross-border trade planning. Energy & Shipping Pressure: With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and tanker traffic down sharply, the region’s oil and gas supply chain remains under strain, keeping costs and routing decisions front and center.

Trade & Industry: Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) says the value of certificates of origin for exports rose 20.7% in Jan–Aug 2026 to JD1.031bn, up from JD854m last year, with 30,154 certificates issued (+12.9%). Water Security: Jordan’s water-sector debate is shifting from “finding more water” to building resilient systems, with experts pointing to new financing models, tech adoption, and basin-level partnerships as the key to closing the investment gap. Energy & Logistics Risk: A new focus on Middle East energy-security redundancy follows renewed talk of alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how quickly shipping disruption can hit global oil flows. Regional Security Impact on Business: Reports say Jordan’s US alliance is drawing more risk as Iranian drones and missiles target the kingdom, adding pressure to an already strained economy and cross-border stability. Green Finance & Renewables: Jordan’s Green Finance Forum highlighted renewable energy targets and up to $1bn in potential green hydrogen financing.

Jordan–US Security Strain: Jordan’s decades-long alliance with the United States is being tested as Iranian drones and missiles keep targeting Jordanian military bases, raising costs for Amman while leaders signal they won’t step back from Washington ties. Sanctions Pressure on Iran: The U.S. launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” adding sanctions on a Turkish bank it says is a key financial lifeline for Iran, while also tightening the financial squeeze through wider partner pressure. Energy and Transport Costs: The Iran conflict is feeding into higher fuel costs, with diesel hitting a record in the U.S., a reminder that shipping and logistics prices can jump fast when regional security worsens. Local Business/Trade Signals: Jordan’s push toward modernization and investment continues to surface in coverage, including moves tied to transport upgrades and new infrastructure planning that could support trade and industrial activity.

US-Iran Tensions Hit Jordan’s Economy and Security: Iran’s strikes on Jordan—where US forces are based—are again putting Amman in the firing line, raising costs and adding pressure to an already weak economy and a volatile West Bank. Energy and Shipping Watch: The wider US-Iran flare-up is keeping oil prices elevated and disrupting Strait of Hormuz traffic, with fewer vessels moving than before the conflict. Local Infrastructure Moves: Greater Amman Municipality plans a steel pedestrian bridge on Jordan Street near Al-Sarh Schools, with lane closures and temporary diversions from midnight to 8 a.m. for one day. Diplomacy for Stability: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi met Austria’s top minister in Vienna to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education and defense, including restarting Amman–Vienna direct flights. Nuclear Cooperation: Safadi also met IAEA director general Rafael Grossi in Vienna, underscoring ongoing coordination on nuclear matters. Business/Finance Governance: CFI Financial Group named Federico Cirulli chairman as it scales international operations.

Transport Upgrade: Jordan’s Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin met Senate Public Services Committee members to review plans to develop the Kingdom’s land, sea and air transport system under the Economic Modernization Vision. Infrastructure Safety: Greater Amman Municipality will install a steel pedestrian bridge on Jordan Street near Al-Sarh Schools, with lane closures and temporary diversions from midnight to 8 a.m. for one day. Energy & Industry Risk: Iran warned the U.S. of “dark months” and possible fuel shortages as Strait of Hormuz tensions flare, raising shipping and supply concerns. Agriculture Processing Setback: An Irbid almond processing project remains idle for years after faulty equipment failed required specifications, with rust now appearing on unused machinery—prompting calls for a full review and accountability. Nuclear Cooperation: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi met IAEA director general Rafael Grossi in Vienna to discuss cooperation. Trade & Tourism Links: Safadi and Austria’s foreign minister discussed expanding cooperation in economic, trade, investment, tourism, education and defense, including resuming direct Amman–Vienna flights. Shipping Security: Saudi firm Bahri said two Filipino crew members were killed in an attack on its Sidr tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi officials condemned Iran and urged de-escalation.

Jordan–China Connectivity: King Abdullah’s China visit produced a new Royal Jordanian–Air China MoU, with talks on a possible direct Amman–Beijing route plus codesharing, cargo cooperation and training. Regional Energy & Shipping Risk: The Strait of Hormuz remains tense as the U.S. and Iran trade strikes, with reports of tanker attacks and shipping disruptions that keep oil prices volatile. Jordan’s Air Defense Spotlight: Jordan says it intercepted 10 of 13 Iranian ballistic missiles aimed toward the kingdom, underscoring the direct security spillover into local business continuity. Fuel Standards Watch: Jordan’s Parliamentary Energy Committee pushed for tighter inspections at fuel stations, more sampling and lab testing, and action against any manipulation—especially amid ethanol concerns. Climate Pressure on Industry: A new UN-linked warning frames Jordan’s rising temperatures as a direct hit to water, agriculture, health and energy—raising adaptation costs for the economy. Local Business & Media: King Abdullah inaugurated National Press’s new printing and packaging unit, targeting growth for food and pharmaceutical sectors. Transport Safety: Egypt’s Sinai bus crash killed 22, including 10 Jordanians, renewing attention on cross-border travel risks.

Middle East Shipping Shock: The U.S. launched strikes on Iranian government tankers in the Strait of Hormuz under a new “tanker for tanker” policy, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks hitting U.S. and allied positions across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq—keeping regional energy and logistics risk front and center. Jordan Security & Airspace: Reports say Jordan intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles, with regional partners also condemning the escalation and urging de-escalation. Jordanian Human Impact: A deadly bus crash in Egypt’s Sinai killed 22 people, including up to 10 Jordanians, underlining ongoing transport safety concerns for cross-border travelers. King & Media/Printing Capacity: King Abdullah visited National Press in Amman and inaugurated an expansion printing and packaging unit aimed at boosting output for sectors like food and pharmaceuticals. Agriculture Finance: Jordan’s Agricultural Credit Corporation provided JD45m in 2026 financing to 8,278 borrowers, with a push toward smarter, faster, tech-enabled lending for modern farming and value-added food processing. Energy Prices Watch: Oil prices jumped as Hormuz tensions returned, with Brent nearing the mid-$90s and volatility rising for regional markets.

Agribusiness Finance: Jordan’s Agricultural Credit Corporation disbursed JD45m in 2026 agricultural financing to 8,278 borrowers under a JD70m annual plan, with a shift toward simpler procedures, faster delivery, and tech-enabled tools for smart agriculture, water-saving, mechanization and food processing. Green Funding Push: The Association of Banks in Jordan held its Green Finance Forum to align public and private funding toward sustainability projects, with the Central Bank and energy officials highlighting Jordan’s renewable push. Renewables Outlook: Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh said renewables (excluding hydro) supply about 27% of Jordan’s electricity, targeting 40% and up to 50% by 2035, stressing the need for a more flexible grid. Water Infrastructure Industry: Welspun Corp and Perma-Pipe signed an MoU to set up a pipe manufacturing and advanced coating JV in Jordan to serve the National Water Carrier Project and broader regional markets. Jobs & Growth Signal: Jordan reported record net job creation for Jordanians in 2025 (87,617) and falling unemployment to 16.1% in Q2 2026, with improvements tied to productive sectors. Regional Energy & Security Shock: US-Iran escalation kept markets tense, with Jordan intercepting Iranian missiles and oil prices rising on Strait of Hormuz disruption fears. Road Safety: Jordan-linked passengers were among victims of a deadly bus crash in Egypt’s South Sinai, underscoring travel risks for regional tourism.

Middle East Energy Shock: US-Iran tit-for-tat strikes intensified again, with reports of a US attack hitting a home hosting a wedding in southern Iran and further strikes on IRGC-linked targets, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks tied to bases in Jordan and the UAE—raising fresh fears for Strait of Hormuz shipping and global oil flows. Jordan Security & Markets: Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles after the latest flare-up, as crude prices jumped above $90 and investors priced in higher geopolitical risk. Crown Prince Outreach: Crown Prince Hussein met sector leaders in Irbid, focusing on investment, tourism, agriculture, technology and sport, and stressing stability and job opportunities for young people. Water & Industry Buildout: Welspun Corp and Perma-Pipe signed an MoU to set up pipe manufacturing and anti-corrosion coating facilities for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, targeting water, energy and infrastructure demand. Energy Transition: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh reiterated Jordan’s push toward renewables and natural gas, framing green transition as key to resilience and energy security. Regulatory Crackdown: Jordan Food and Drug Administration seized hormonal injections, steroids and unauthorized medicines from vehicles linked to fitness trainers in Amman, referring violators to prosecutors. China-Egypt Pivot: Xi Jinping arrived in Egypt amid US sanctions threats over Iran-linked financial ties, underscoring how the Iran war is reshaping regional economic and security alignments.

Water & Industry: Jordan’s Cabinet moved ahead with the National Water Carrier push, including a JD120m steel pipe manufacturing and coating plant (50% for the carrier), aiming to secure water supplies while boosting local manufacturing, jobs, and Aqaba’s industrial/logistics role. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Jordan will keep domestic fuel prices unchanged for September despite higher global crude and product prices, holding 90-octane at 1,000 fils/liter, 95-octane at 1,310, diesel at 850, kerosene at 550, and LPG at JD7 for 12.5kg, with continued Treasury absorption of part of global increases. Logistics Watch: Aqaba Port’s “crisis” is less about unloading capacity and more about moving containers out fast enough; transit container volumes surged sharply in early 2026, turning operational success into a yard bottleneck as shipping schedules and geopolitical disruptions shift flows. Business Services Expansion: LATRO appointed AGI Jordan (Kreston Global member) to provide accounting, payroll, tax, and business support for its expanding Amman operations. Regional Energy Risk: Renewed US-Iran exchanges around the Strait of Hormuz lifted oil prices above $90, raising fresh uncertainty for energy costs and shipping—an issue that directly feeds into Jordan’s import bill and inflation outlook.

Middle East Security & Shipping: The US resumed strikes on Iran’s Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it targeted IRGC launchers preparing to deploy sea mines. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at US bases in Jordan and the UAE; Jordan reported intercepting eight missiles. Iran also accused the US of violating sovereignty, while CENTCOM disputed Iran’s claims about mine attacks and said it struck Iranian launchers instead. Energy Markets: The renewed flare-up pushed crude prices back above US$90, with investors again pricing in risks to the Hormuz chokepoint and tanker traffic. Jordan Domestic Impact: Despite missile interceptions near Mafraq and Azraq, some Jordanians said daily life is moving on, even as the region’s instability keeps pressure on security planning. Urban Mobility: Amman’s Greater Amman Municipality announced the Mahatta Transport Complex to link Amman–Zarqa BRT with internal BRT services and Raghadan Station, alongside commercial space and accessibility upgrades. Business Governance: Jordan’s IEC published final voter lists for 2026 industrial chamber elections, setting the stage for board and sector representative voting.

Energy Markets: Oil prices jumped as the US struck Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Jordan; Brent rose to above $90 and WTI to the mid-$80s, with analysts warning the Strait’s reopening talks remain stuck and shipping risk is back in focus. Jordan Energy Security: Local experts are urging a clear winter energy plan for Jordan—boosting domestic gas output (including Risha), keeping reserves at safe levels, diversifying imports, and expanding solar—amid regional instability that could disrupt supply. Regional Security & Logistics: Jordan said it intercepted eight Iranian missiles after Tehran’s response, while the US Central Command described its action as “limited, precise” to neutralize minelaying threats; the escalation also revived fears of wider disruption to trade routes through Hormuz. AI & Energy Claims: Trump posted AI-generated clips claiming Kharg Island was “blown to smithereens,” but reporting found no independent confirmation of an attack. Local Business & Tourism: Aqaba is leaning harder on events to drive year-round demand, positioning SOFEX 2026 and other concerts/forums as an economic engine beyond peak seasons. Digital Services Push: Jordan has a chance to become a regional AI services hub for exportable digital work, but experts say it needs a coordinated national strategy, not scattered initiatives.