About the project

Funded by the Center for International Private Enterprise – CIPE, The Palestinian Information Technology Association of companies – PITA is implementing this project that addresses political and economic challenges of the commercial activity and civic engagement. This project mainly aims to enhance the organizational capacity of independent civil society organizations to advance economic reforms and strengthen private sector participation in policymaking in the Palestinian Territories.   The Palestinian information technology (IT) sector is a key emerging industry in the Palestinian territories, and PITA serves as a leading voice for this industry. PITA aims to grow its advocacy activities in order to strengthen its role as a champion for the sector and target key decisionmakers on policy reform to benefit the growing industry. In this partnership, CIPE and PITA will administer a guided diagnostic self-assessment developed by CIPE to assess existing strengths and opportunities for targeted technical assistance, with a focus on opportunities for building on existing advocacy strengths. PITA will lead the deployment of this assessment among its Board, staff and members with CIPE’s guidance and support. The assessment will review the association’s advocacy capacity and the needs of its members and industry. The assessment’s data collection may include focus groups and surveys of staff and members. CIPE will conduct an analysis of the findings and present that to PITA leadership. After a joint review of the results, PITA and CIPE will build an action plan, which may include an advocacy strategy to guide PITA’s advocacy activities. CIPE will draw on its experience and success strengthening the advocacy role of private sector associations in Palestine and elsewhere in the region. CIPE will provide expert guidance to PITA as it conducts this assessment and builds an action plan to guide the association as it pursues policy reform to improve the business environment for the IT sector.