Jordan stands at an important turning point in the evolution of its impact finance ecosystem. Despite increasing adoption of global frameworks such as SDGs and ESG, the question of how impact should be defined—and by whom—remains unresolved.

This research by Impact Jordan, supported by the International Development Research Centre, examines this transition and explores pathways toward a more locally grounded approach to impact.

The findings show that the ecosystem remains largely in a phase of contextualisation, with global models adapted to local contexts, while deeper integration of Jordan’s own ethical and cultural systems is still emerging. At the same time, the research highlights strong potential to move toward “ethical localisation,” drawing on frameworks such as Islamic finance, tribal ethics, and relational notions of wellbeing.

With greater investment in local knowledge systems, stronger institutional coordination, and a shift toward locally defined metrics and narratives, Jordan is well positioned to move from adapting global models to shaping new ones—offering a pathway for more credible, inclusive, and locally grounded impact finance across the region.

Alfanar is pleased to have contributed to the report. You can find the full report here in English and Arabic.

One page research summaries are also available here in English and Arabic.