Amman, Jordan, 4 August 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and with support from the Better Than Cash Alliance, convened a dialogue session on digital financial services to develop practical recommendations in support of national efforts to improve access to digital financial services and encourage their sustained use by women- and youth-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The event was held under UNDP’s “Advancing digital financial services for women- and youth-led small and medium-sized enterprises” project, which aims to expand access to and use of financial services among women and young people who own or manage SMEs.

The dialogue built on the key findings of a series of exchange forums on digital financial inclusion held in municipalities across the Jordan Valley. The forums generated evidence on the opportunities and barriers associated with accessing and using digital financial services and helped bring the experiences and needs of local communities into the national discussion.

The session brought together representatives from the CBJ, financial institutions, payment service providers, financial technology companies and local communities to discuss ways to expand the use of digital payments and advance financial inclusion.

Participants discussed the experiences and needs of women- and youth-led SMEs, including the barriers they face in accessing and using digital financial services. They also explored opportunities to develop and test more inclusive financial services that respond to the needs of these enterprises.

Through this dialogue, UNDP Jordan and its partners seek to strengthen collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, service providers and local communities, and to contribute to practical recommendations for a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem in Jordan.

About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/jordan or follow @UNDP Jordan.