jordan pulse -
The World Bank has disbursed $88 million under the “Citizen-Centric Digital Government” program, aimed at advancing Jordan’s digital transformation, enhancing public service delivery, improving government efficiency, and promoting transparency and accountability.
Launched in April 2024, the program has a total financing package of $321 million as a loan and $29 million as a grant from the Global Concessional Financing Facility.
According to the World Bank, the program officially commenced on June 27, 2024, following the appointment of a program director. Key reforms have since been implemented, including amendments to the 2007 Access to Information Law, the Public Services Management and Governance Regulation, and the draft National Statistics Law.
So far, the World Bank has disbursed $81 million (25.5% of the total loan) and $7.25 million (25% of the grant), leaving $240 million of the loan and $21.7 million of the grant to be used by the project’s expected closure on June 30, 2028.
Significant progress has been made toward the program’s targets, with additional disbursements expected by June 2025 upon achieving further milestones. The World Bank has rated the program's overall progress as "satisfactory" in terms of implementation and sustainable development goals, with a "moderate" risk level.
One of the program's key areas focuses on improving access to digital health services. As of December 2024, 249,449 beneficiaries, including 487 Syrian refugees, have accessed these services. However, with some refugees returning to Syria due to evolving political circumstances, future target adjustments are anticipated. The program aims to reach 9,500 refugee beneficiaries by December 2028.
The initiative enhances the electronic medical records platform, enabling users to book appointments, view medical records, track medications, check vaccination records, access lab results, monitor allergies and vital signs, and refill prescriptions for chronic diseases.
This project aligns with Jordan’s public sector modernization roadmap and digital transformation strategy while contributing to the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision. It prioritizes improving service delivery, enhancing government efficiency, and increasing transparency through digital identity adoption and improved data-sharing mechanisms between government entities and the private sector.
The program also seeks to expand digital services, strengthen trust in data-sharing processes, and professionalize civil service operations. It plans to establish a National Health Information Centre and digitize student assessment systems.
In the area of transparency, efforts include improving electronic access to information, facilitating statistical data availability, and enhancing the use of health data. A special focus on supporting Syrian refugees includes facilitating their access to health and education services via digital identity systems.
Over the next four years, the program is expected to contribute to comprehensive digital transformation, boosting government efficiency, supporting the digital economy, and improving citizen and resident access to public services. Additional disbursements are anticipated by mid-2025, particularly for expanding digital projects in the health and e-government sectors.