Yusuf Mansur

A single indicator cannot measure an economy's success. Rather, it is reflected in a combination of metrics that capture its ability to generate growth, create jobs, maintain financial stability, and improve citizens' quality of life. When these indicators improve simultaneously, they provide a clearer picture of the economy's direction and strengthen confidence among both citizens and investors.

According to the latest releases by Jordan's Department of Statistics, the Jordanian economy continues to register positive results across several key indicators. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.7 per cent during the same period a year earlier. This performance was driven primarily by the productive sectors, particularly manufacturing, which expanded by more than 5 per cent, contributed approximately 0.9 percentage points to overall GDP growth, and now accounts for around 16.6 per cent of GDP. These figures reaffirm manufacturing's role as the principal engine of production, employment, and exports in the Jordanian economy.

As economic activity strengthened, its effects began to materialize in the labour market. The latest Department of Statistics labor force survey showed that the overall unemployment rate declined to 16.1 per cent, representing a 0.5 percentage-point decrease compared with the same quarter of the previous year. Unemployment among Jordanians also declined to 21.1 per cent, while youth unemployment fell compared with the reference period. Unemployment among non-Jordanians also dropped to 8.7 per cent. Together, these developments suggest that economic growth is gradually translating into employment opportunities—the ultimate objective of any successful economic policy.

This also demonstrates that when growth is driven by productive sectors—particularly manufacturing—it gradually feeds into the labour market. Although the full effects on employment and household incomes take time to materialize, the current trajectory is encouraging.

Jordan's external sector has also continued to deliver positive signals. National exports have increased, while manufactured goods continue to account for the largest share of Jordan's exports, reflecting the improving competitiveness of Jordanian products in international markets. Every increase in manufactured exports translates into higher production, new investment, and stronger demand for labour, making industry one of the key drivers of sustainable economic growth.

The positive momentum has not been limited to the real economy. Jordan has also achieved meaningful progress in public finance through a reduction in public debt servicing costs. This achievement reflects improved public financial and debt management while easing pressure on the state budget. More importantly, it creates additional fiscal space to finance capital expenditure, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other productive investments that directly improve public services and strengthen long-term economic growth.

International confidence in Jordan's economy has also remained intact. S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Jordan's sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, reflecting confidence in the country's macroeconomic stability, resilient financial sector, and continued commitment to economic reforms despite a challenging regional environment. Such assessments enhance investor confidence and improve Jordan's access to financing under more favorable conditions.

While these developments are encouraging, maintaining this positive momentum will require continued investment in productive projects, expansion of the industrial base, stronger support for exports, and policies that attract both domestic and foreign investment. These investments are the true engine of productivity growth, higher value added, job creation, and rising incomes. As productivity increases, so does the economy's ability to sustain long-term growth and improve living standards.

Ultimately, the true value of these achievements lies not in the statistics themselves but in their impact on people's daily lives. Economic growth fulfils its purpose only when it creates jobs, raises incomes, encourages investment, and delivers better public services. Lower unemployment means more families earning stable incomes. Stronger exports mean expanding factories and businesses. Lower debt servicing costs allow greater investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and essential public services.

The ultimate objective of economic policy is therefore not merely to improve macroeconomic indicators, but to improve people's lives. When growth translates into better employment opportunities, higher productivity, rising household incomes, and improved public services, economic success becomes something citizens experience directly rather than simply reading about in official reports.

Today, Jordan is demonstrating higher economic growth, lower unemployment, stronger exports, more efficient fiscal management, and sustained international confidence. The challenge now is to build on these achievements through continued productive investment that raises productivity, strengthens competitiveness, and generates new employment opportunities. The most sustainable path toward improving living standards begins with higher productivity, leads to higher incomes, and ultimately results in a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous economy.


The writer is a former Jordanian Minister of State for Economic Affairs.