Community of Practice on Digital Skills and Digitalization of TVET system was held, with a focus on business incubation and innovation in Gaza, Palestine

The meeting started with Mr Basel Qandeel’s presentation. As the Director of Business & Technology Incubator (BTI) in Gaza, he shared insights on the kind of interventions and procedures toward digitalization led by BTI. He introduced BTI’s programme nurturing technical competencies of IT and engineering graduates in advanced technological tools, such as IOT, e-commerce, big data, AI, FinTech, between others. “So far, BTI contributed to generate 2,200+ entrepreneurs, 1,200+ trained freelancers, and +25 local and international partnerships” he said. These learning opportunities will soon be expanded further to graduates of other majors.

Mr Ashraf Al-Astal, Co-founder and Managing Director of iPark Ecosystem, gave a presentation on the digital ecosystem in Gaza and on how to invest in Palestinian talents that are scattered around the globe.

He explained the comprehensive business model of the iPark Ecosystem, which consists of:

• iPark Jobs: a start-up hiring platform for entrepreneurs and freelancers,
• iPark Land: an innovation platform for solving corporate problems, and
• iPark Sale: a marketplace for start-ups and freelancers to sell their digital products.

He explained that the digital ecosystem has successfully contributed to linking entrepreneurs, start-ups and freelancers in Gaza, the MENA region and in the world; and created a positive economic impact.

Finally, Mr Rafat Abushaban, Manager of MAAN Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HIE), gave a presentation on Palestinian and Gazan start-up ecosystem and the digital inclusion programme. He introduced the four pillars of activities at MAAN HIE that consists of:

• Innovate Gaza: providing economic empowerment trainings to people including women and people with disabilities in vulnerable areas near the border,
• Innovation Partnerships: addressing environmental challenges, such as salinization,faced by local farmers and aspiring local marketers,
• Incubation and Acceleration: providing training, coaching and mentoring for entrepreneurs, and
• Digital Inclusion: providing training on freelancing, business administration, and finance for vulnerable groups and university graduates.

Participation to the CoP on Digital Skills and Digitalization of TVET systems is open to everyone. Participants will have access to these live sessions, as well as a to the online communication platform for interactive discussions with other participants and to a repository of videos and resources. Should you be interested in joining the community, or have any questions, please contact Yukari Kanamori ([email protected]).