Who we are
At MENACatalyst, we are committed to reducing barriers and fostering dynamic cross-border collaborations. By enhancing the technical competencies of emerging professionals, innovators, and young changemakers, we aim to empower individuals and communities to drive meaningful change. Our efforts are focused on creating a more equitable and resilient socioeconomic future for all, advancing opportunities for growth and innovation across Palestine and the MENA region. Through strategic partnerships, inclusive programs, and the mobilization of the Palestinian diaspora, we are shaping a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.
OUR CHALLENGE!
MENACatalyst is actively working to overcome a range of pressing challenges that hinder entrepreneurial growth and economic resilience in Palestine. These challenges are deeply rooted in the broader socio-economic, political, and environmental context of the region: 1. Economic Instability and High Unemployment The Issue: Ongoing conflicts, restricted movement, and limited access to resources have led to significant economic contraction, with Gaza’s GDP declining by 81% in 2023 and the West Bank experiencing a 19% contraction. Youth unemployment rates have reached critical levels, exacerbating poverty and economic stagnation. MENACatalyst’s Response: o Initiating training programs to equip youth with in-demand skills and connect them to employment opportunities. o Supporting MSMEs to foster job creation and sustainable growth. o Leveraging the Palestinian diaspora to drive investment and create new economic opportunities. 2. Limited Access to Global Markets and Resources The Issue: Palestinian startups and MSMEs face significant barriers to accessing international markets, investment capital, and mentorship due to political restrictions and limited infrastructure. MENACatalyst’s Response: o Creating bridges between the global Palestinian diaspora and local startups to provide mentorship, funding, and strategic connections. o Facilitating entry into international accelerators, pitch competitions, and investor networks to expand market reach. o Building virtual training platforms to break geographical barriers and enhance skill-building. 3. Lack of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Infrastructure The Issue: The local entrepreneurial ecosystem is underdeveloped, with limited access to innovation hubs, incubators, and resources for startups to scale effectively. MENACatalyst’s Response: o Strengthening innovation hubs and ecosystems through capacity-building initiatives. o Providing advisory services in finance, legal, and business strategies for startups and MSMEs. o Engaging diaspora professionals to enrich local ecosystems with global expertise. 4. Environmental and Sustainability Challenges The Issue: Climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation threaten sustainable growth in Palestine, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). MENACatalyst’s Response: o Implementing the Green Growth Palestine program to help MSMEs adopt sustainable practices and access green financing. o Promoting eco-conscious industries and practices that align with global environmental standards. 5. Youth Disengagement and Digital Skills Gap The Issue: Many Palestinian youth lack access to quality education, digital tools, and opportunities to develop critical 21st-century skills, limiting their potential to participate in the global economy. MENACatalyst’s Response: o Launching programs like the Palestine Youth Digital Innovators Program and MENA-Innovates to provide youth with STEAM and digital skills training. o Empowering marginalized youth through entrepreneurship programs that promote innovation and self-reliance. 6. Diaspora Engagement and Integration The Issue: Despite its immense potential, the Palestinian diaspora’s contributions to local development are often fragmented and underutilized. MENACatalyst’s Response: o Developing structured platforms for diaspora members to invest in startups, mentor entrepreneurs, and support the ecosystem. o Creating a membership-driven organization to formalize diaspora contributions, ensuring lasting impact and collaboration. MENACatalyst’s strategic initiatives address these multifaceted challenges, leveraging partnerships, innovation, and resilience-building to empower Palestinian entrepreneurs and create sustainable, long-term economic growth.
VISION
Build a resilient ecosystem that fuels sustainable economic growth, unlocks transformative opportunities, and creates lasting social impact by strategically linking local talent and enterprises with the resources, expertise, and networks of the Palestinian diaspora.
MISSION
To catalyze economic development and social change by mobilizing the Palestinian diaspora's potential as a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, we empower local enterprises, foster technology adoption, and facilitate meaningful connections that enable sustainable business development and market expansion.
OUR APPROACH
Strategic Framework: Our interventions are guided by the Market Systems Development (MSD) Approach, creating sustainable connections between diaspora resources and local market needs. This framework ensures long-term impact by building resilient ecosystems rather than implementing temporary solutions. Diaspora Engagement: Strategic network building, knowledge transfer programs, and investment facilitation. Local Capacity Building: Technical skill development, innovation support, and market readiness programs. Ecosystem Development: Partnership cultivation, resource mobilization, and sustainability integration.
OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
If We Bridge: Diaspora expertise gap, resource access barriers, network limitations, And Secure: diaspora investments, strategic partnerships, and market opportunities, Then Enable: knowledge transfer, resource mobilization, and market expansion, Leading To: sustainable growth, economic resilience, and social transformation.
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