The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) have announced a JOD 10 million (US$ 14.1 million) loan to expand the Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH) in Jordan. Capital Bank of Jordan is also participating as a parallel lender in the deal. The funding is intended to fit out ADH’s existing data centre and build a second hall at the site, which remains the largest carrier-neutral facility in the country.
This investment is backed by an EU-funded EFSD+ guarantee and a grant from the EBRD’s Finance and Technology Transfer Centre for Climate Change (FINTECC). The grant will assist ADH in adopting green technologies for its operations. Additionally, technical assistance will help launch the Aqaba Digital Academy. This academy intends to address the high demand for information and communications technology (ICT) and cybersecurity skills, specifically targeting young people and women.
Ms Biery said: “Aqaba Digital Hub is at the centre of the region’s digital transformation. We are delighted to partner with the EU and Capital Bank of Jordan to support strategic investments in ADH that will strengthen Jordan’s digital economy. This project, supported under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, will expand critical digital infrastructure while promoting secure connectivity, skills development and inclusive growth across the country.”
ADH operates essential infrastructure including fibre-optic networks and subsea cables. It serves as a landing station for the Coral Bridge cable, which links Jordan to Africa and Europe, and the Blue Raman Subsea Cable System, which connects Europe to Asia. The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation said: “We highly appreciate EBRD and EU’s support to the Aqaba Digital Hub. This financing will support the expansion of the digital infrastructure in Aqaba that will further strengthen its positioning as a connectivity corridor contributing to digital economic integration. It will also strengthen Jordan’s position as a regional hub for technology and innovation in line with its Economic Modernization Vision”.
EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica noted: “The expansion of Aqaba Digital Hub is a testament to the strength of EU-Jordan cooperation in shaping the digital infrastructure of the future. In a world where connectivity is power, this initiative reinforces Jordan’s role as a trusted regional hub for secure, resilient, and sustainable digital networks. Today we are not only unlocking Jordan’s economic potential, but also strengthening the digital bridges between Europe, the Middle East, and India.”
Mr. Khorma, CEO of Aqaba Digital Hub, said: “Aqaba Digital Hub is proud to partner with the EBRD, the European Union, and Capital Bank of Jordan on this investment. This financing will expand our carrier-neutral digital infrastructure, strengthening Aqaba’s role as a connectivity corridor linking Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. As demand for resilient, diversified routes grows, we are well positioned to support new Asia–Europe connectivity, including emerging Mediterranean routes. We are also investing in local talent to support Jordan’s evolving digital economy.”
