Japan and Georgetown University Launch Technical Cooperation Project to Enhance PPP Capacity in Jordan

Strategic Insights -

A new initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of Jordanian officials in designing, implementing, and overseeing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) has been launched. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has partnered with Georgetown University in Qatar to deliver an intensive training program and international study tour for senior officials responsible for PPP management across various government ministries and independent institutions. The program will focus on practical expertise and academic insight, with a field study tour in Australia. The ultimate goal is to establish a dedicated inter-ministerial PPP team within the Kingdom, which will help propose, analyze, evaluate, formulate, manage, and operate PPP projects. This project is expected to reshape the PPP environment in Jordan, enhance institutional readiness, and attract private capital, ultimately alleviating the financial burden on the Jordanian government while advancing critical national projects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Georgetown University in Qatar have signed an agreement to launch a technical cooperation project aimed at strengthening Jordanian officials' capacity in designing, implementing, and overseeing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
  • The initiative includes an intensive training program led by a distinguished team of faculty members and specialized researchers with 25+ years of experience working with governments, ministries, and public sector institutions globally and across the region.
  • A key component of the program is a field study tour in Australia, which will provide a comprehensive learning experience through visits to high-performing institutions and entities with proven track records in PPP implementation.
  • The program aims to establish a dedicated inter-ministerial PPP team within the Kingdom, which will be tasked with proposing, analyzing, evaluating, formulating, managing, and operating PPP projects.
  • The project is expected to reshape the PPP environment in Jordan, enhance institutional readiness, and attract private capital, ultimately alleviating the financial burden on the Jordanian government while advancing critical national projects.
  • The program's methodology is anticipated to serve as a reference for future capacity-building efforts and institutional development concerning PPPs in the Kingdom.

Statistics:

  • The program will last for an unspecified duration.
  • Over 25 years of combined experience among the program's faculty members and researchers have been working with governments, ministries, and public sector institutions globally and across the region.
  • The field study tour in Australia will take participants to high-performing institutions and entities with proven track records in PPP implementation.
  • The project aims to benefit senior officials responsible for PPP management across various government ministries and independent institutions in Jordan.
  • The program is expected to attract private capital and stimulate interest from local investors and corporate alliances in upcoming PPPs.

Sources:

  • "JICA announces partnership with Georgetown University in Qatar to enhance capacity building in PPPs in Jordan." Jordan News Agency, 22 Jul 2025.