Gaza’s Tech Sector

Gaza is often mentioned in the news in the context of violent conflict or humanitarian crises. In fact, Gaza also has a vibrant entrepreneurial community that is keen to contribute to the global tech sector.

Businessmen and youth own the newest smartphones, connect with the world on Twitter and Facebook, and spend weekends intensely coding at startup competitions.

Both women and men in Gaza are highly educated and industrious.  Many youth choose to study computer science or business, and according to some of the region’s top investors, Gaza is becoming a hub of high-quality teams and scalable ideas.

Gaza’s tech infrastructure is one of the best in the Arab world.  Although there is no 3G in Gaza, wired connections are fast and most establishments offer a WiFi connection. Because Gaza is subject to certain challenges, its entrepreneurs take the concept of adaptability to a whole new level.

Power shortages are as much a part of the landscape in Gaza as are its beautiful sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea.  Entrepreneurs work during the hours that electricity is available, buy batteries to work at other times of day, or meet in co-working spaces with a shared power generator.

One of the biggest challenges is entrepreneurs’ inability to exit Gaza.  Gaza is approximately the size of the San Francisco Peninsula; when its border crossings are closed, entrepreneurs cannot leave easily to meet with potential clients or attend international conferences.

Want to connect with the Gazan entrepreneurial community?  Contact us, or add Gazan entrepreneurs to your social networks and meet with them via video conference.