Gaza Sky Geeks, a programme of Mercy Corps, launched an impact report on the Palestinian tech ecosystem “The Impact of Gaza Crisis on The Palestinian Tech Ecosystem.”

Before the crisis that has been aggressively unfolding since the events on October 7th, Palestine was home to a tech ecosystem in bloom. Housing thousands of specialist outsourcing companies, freelancers, and early-stage startups, the Palestinian ICT sector was en route to becoming one of the primary industries providing the Palestinian population with a dignified livelihood. Thousands of people have made a living monetizing their skills online either as tech/tech-enabled service providers, or as freelancers in fields like programming, design, marketing, financial services, administration, and more.

However, current events have put an effective stop to every aspect of life as we know it. The utter devastation, destruction, and unfathomable loss of human lives are debilitating. It makes it difficult, almost impossible, to talk about solutions, interventions, and rebuilding - but we must. Once a permanent ceasefire is reached, technology will be the key to unlocking the revival of the Gazan and Palestinian economy. But how?

Twenty-eight tech ecosystem players, businesses, and freelancers were interviewed for this report, and they have all shared their input on interventions needed to revive Gaza. We say revive and not rebuild because the talent, capabilities, and determination are already there. All that is needed is to support and facilitate the ICT sector in the following areas:

1. Financial Recovery for Businesses and Individuals
2. Job Creation and Market Access for Businesses
3. Rebuilding Business Capacity, Infrastructure, and Operational Capacity

Tech and tech-enabled work is the gateway to earning a meaningful income and living in dignity, but nothing can be achieved in isolation. Now is the time for the tech ecosystem players, the private sector, and the international community to come together. Each must play their part in the revival of Gaza.

The purpose of this report is to ascertain the impact of the October 7, 2023, events and their fallout on Palestinian tech-services companies, the digital workforce, and the tech ecosystem more broadly. This will, in turn, inform future marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts focused on the post-conflict operating context. The report will include considerations of reputational damage, business disruption, payment risks, and other factors that may affect the willingness of international clients and markets to engage with the Palestinian tech sector, as well as how to leverage any goodwill that has been generated. Responding to these risks and opportunities immediately is paramount to avoid negative perceptions becoming too firmly entrenched and to ensure the long-term potential of Palestine’s tech sector is not irrevocably undermined.

This report has collected views and data from many players in the Palestinian tech ecosystem across the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza. We recognize that the situation in Palestine remains fragile and uncertain, and much depends on wider geopolitical decisions outside the control of the local tech ecosystem. Despite this, we aspire for this report to catalyze collaborative ideas and strategies aimed at rejuvenating the sector. By amplifying voices from across the Palestinian tech landscape, we can gain deeper insights into the conflict's genuine ramifications. This report stands as a crucial resource in informing the development of impactful programs by Gaza Sky Geeks, Mercy Corps, and other stakeholders within the evolving Palestinian context post-October 2023.

Gaza Sky Geeks is a key player in Palestine's tech sector and carries a duty for its revival. Established in 2011 by Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian aid organization, GSG's mission initially focused on mentoring entrepreneurs in Gaza, expanding steadily in scope and outreach over the past decade. Before the events of October 2023, GSG operated multiple co-working spaces in Gaza and annually conducted hundreds of tech and employability training programs across Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. GSG served as a haven for Palestinian tech enthusiasts, offering training sessions, boot camps, and a place to enrich themselves while pursuing online income. Known for its inclusivity, vibrancy, comfort, and positive atmosphere, GSG proudly provided safe spaces for young Palestinian women, who made up more than 50% of its participants, to learn and work.

Enabling large numbers of young Palestinians to secure employment and earn respectable incomes through online work is paramount for the future of Palestine. GSG’s integrated approach of capacity building of individuals and tech-services companies in specialist tech skills, combined with cross-regional ties and international market access, will help to improve the competitiveness of the Palestinian tech sector and deepen social cohesion and stability in Palestine.

With this report, we aim to ignite a global conversation and extend a special invitation to our fellow tech ecosystem players to join us in our common goal of reviving the Palestinian tech sector.