Aqaba Community and Economic Development (ACED) Program

The Aqaba Community and Economic Development (ACED) Program is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development, benefiting the people and businesses of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).

The ACED Program is based in Aqaba city and works under three areas:

Strengthening Government Institutions
ACED strengthens the government institutions in Aqaba and works directly with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC).

Strengthening Private Sector
ACED supports private sector growth by enabling the business environment to more effectively attract, support and enhance the number, competitiveness, and capabilities of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).  In addition, the program works to organize various sectors through business associations to better serve their respective audiences in Aqaba.           

Enhanced Community Development
ACED works closely with ASEZA to empower Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and encourage the local community to participate in the decision making process.

The ACED Program also implements additional initiatives under the three areas of the Program including grants, training, and other technical assistance. In addition, the Program works to reduce poverty in underprivileged communities.

To read more about the program area, go to the Project Results and choose documents and Publications.