Irbid, Jan. 7 (Petra) -- The Development and Employment Fund (DEF)’s Irbid branch allocated approximately JD 3 million last year to support local economic activity, financing 236 projects that generated nearly 400 employment opportunities, according to branch director Issa Awawdeh.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Awawdeh explained that the funding was channeled through a range of programs designed to meet diverse community needs, with a strong focus on empowering young men and women seeking employment, supporting productive ventures, and easing the impacts of poverty.

He highlighted the Fund’s central role in stimulating local development by enabling youth and families to establish income-generating projects, noting that these initiatives contribute directly to lowering unemployment and strengthening economic inclusion.

Awawdeh also reported a repayment rate of 96 percent at the Irbid branch, describing it as a clear indicator of beneficiaries’ financial discipline and the sound economic and technical assessment of the supported projects, many of which have demonstrated sustainability and a positive impact on living standards.

He added that the Fund operates within a national strategy that prioritizes entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises as key engines of economic growth, while maintaining close coordination with official institutions and partner organizations to ensure funding reaches eligible beneficiaries and targets sectors aligned with local priorities.

Awawdeh noted that the Fund’s support extends beyond financing to include technical guidance and on-site follow-up, reinforcing project continuity and growth in line with national efforts to promote self-reliance and broad-based economic empowerment.

//Petra//WH