Oman’s strategy – Upskilling and ICV

Oman’s strategy for upskilling and In-Country Value (ICV) by 2030 pivots from strict compliance quotas to strategic capability building. Framed by Oman Vision 2040, the current 2026-2030 five-year plan targets an ICV contribution to GDP of over 40% by localizing supply chains and heavily modernizing the workforce.

Oman’s innovation and human capital strategy is anchored by Oman Vision 2040, which aims to transition the nation into a knowledge-based, diversified, and sustainable economy. The framework focuses on workforce localization (In-Country Value) alongside strategic investments in digital transformation, green energy, and high-tech sectors to drive global competitiveness

The pillars of ICV include Employment and training of Omani nationals; Retention of expenditure within Oman; Retention of local service providers and suppliers; and Omani goods and services. Merging ICV with human capital development gives rise to an economic opportunity in Oman that is planned and executed to achieve inclusivity.

The key initiatives are :

Qimam Platform: Monitored by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), it tracks government companies’ performance in ICV—specifically highlighting localized procurement and training investments.

National Employment Program (NEP): Drives frameworks that align higher education and vocational training outputs directly with market needs. 

“Itqan” Programme: An industrial sector initiative specifically focused on providing job seekers and current workers with practical training and upskilling pathways

Vendor & Supplier Development: If your business is bidding on public or OIA-affiliated projects in Oman, upskilling your Omani employees and utilizing locally certified goods directly increases your ICV score Professional Certifications: for Training frequently host interactive ICV planning and reporting courses targeted at HR, Procurement, and Contracts professionals

Over $1.8 billion in energy sector contracts were unlocked for local SMEs, formalized by platforms like Majd. 

Oman is also focusing on local capacity for renewable energy and green hydrogen.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) targets raising the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP, actively supported by programs that grew national employment in the sector by over 79%.

Tourism & Aviation: Major operators like OMRAN and Oman Airports developed a joint ICV blueprint strategy to localize supply chains and nurture local investors and cultural heritage.

By prioritizing localization and upskilling, Oman aims to fortify its economy. Projections target a significant leap in ICV’s overall contribution to GDP, coupled with substantial growth in SME exports and private sector employment for Omani nationals. The plan is supported by a clear vision and integrated legislative and regulatory frameworks, placing Oman on a promising trajectory toward a prosperous and sustainable economic future.