Jordan and Germany partner to support gaming SMEs
Jordanian gaming and esports companies are set to gain access to technical support and potential funding under a new programme targeting the country’s creative industries.
The National Fund for Enterprise Support (NAFES) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to establish a joint support pathway for Jordanian small and medium-sized enterprises.
Around 20 SMEs will be selected across three areas: gaming and esports, filmmaking and jewellery manufacturing. While the programme extends beyond gaming, the inclusion of games and esports places the sector among the creative industries being targeted for business development support.
Participating companies will move through a two-stage programme beginning with an assessment of their innovation capabilities and specialised technical consulting.
Businesses that meet the required criteria can then be referred to NAFES for direct financial support, designed to help companies move projects from development into implementation.
The programme will also prioritise women-led and women-owned businesses, as well as companies employing people with disabilities.
The agreement was signed by Higher Council for Science and Technology Secretary-General Mashhoor Refai and GIZ Project Lead Elisaveta Kostova. It forms part of efforts linked to Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision 2022–2033, which includes expanding employment and strengthening private-sector competitiveness.
Kostova highlighted the export potential of Jordan’s cultural and creative industries, while NAFES Executive Director Mo’ath Alaween said linking technical preparation with national funding would provide businesses with support through different stages of their development.
For Jordan’s gaming sector, the programme creates a route for selected local companies to receive both specialist business support and access to funding rather than focusing solely on training or industry promotion.
The initiative adds gaming and esports to a broader Jordan-Germany effort to support businesses in creative industries with potential for growth and exports.
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