The State of Palestine has launched a new Digital Prosperity Plan after signing the Digital Cooperation Organization Charter during the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh. Through this agreement, Palestine officially became a Signatory Member of the organization, aiming to expand digital growth and economic development.
During the event, Dr. Abdel-Razzak Natsheh, Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy of the State of Palestine, handed the signed charter to Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization. The agreement creates a formal framework for international technical cooperation.
Key Objectives of the Digital Prosperity Plan
The operational framework, developed jointly by the DCO and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, establishes measurable targets for national development. By 2028, the Digital Prosperity Plan aims to train more than 10,000 individuals and deliver support to over 250 startups, alongside 100 women-led enterprises.
Furthermore, the initiative focuses on building resilient data governance frameworks, modernizing government technology services, and expanding access to regional capital markets.
Current Scope of the Palestinian ICT Sector
The Palestinian information and communications technology sector maintains approximately 400 active commercial establishments. These enterprises employ over 13,500 specialized professionals across software engineering, digital services, and network management.
Financially, the local ICT industry generates more than USD 500 million in annual value added. This output contributes roughly 5 percent of the gross domestic product, while local universities graduate around 3,000 technology students each year.
Statements from Official Leadership
Ministers and officials emphasized the practical implications of the international agreement during the signing event in Saudi Arabia.
“Joining the Digital Cooperation Organization represents an important opportunity for Palestine to deepen international digital cooperation and accelerate our digital transformation.”
Dr. Abdel-Razzak Natsheh, Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy
Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya noted that Palestinian technical talent is actively expanding into international markets, and the multilateral platform will connect local entrepreneurs with global programs.
DCO Expansion and International Growth
The accession comes amid broader institutional growth for the organization, which was established in 2020. The DCO Council recently approved candidate status for eight additional countries, potentially expanding total membership from 16 to 24 member states representing nearly 980 million people.
Through these partnerships, the organization coordinates policy frameworks for cross-border data transfer, artificial intelligence adoption, and workforce development across participating nations.
