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West Bank: Palestinian National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence

Developing a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy in the West Bank is at the core of the Palestinian Government’s process of implementing digital transformation in the government sector.  An AI strategy is crucial for supporting sustainable development, facilitating regional cooperation, and positioning the West Bank as an international player in the field of AI.  

In 2021, the Palestinian Council of Ministers formed a national team for AI with the responsibilities to define, implement, and manage the National AI Strategy.  The team was headed by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy and included representatives from government ministries and councils, academia, and the private sector.  As a result, a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy was launched in 2023.  The strategy outlines the Palestinian Government’s plans to enhance the use of AI technologies to transform the economy, harness the technology, develop appropriate business models, and implement major changes to create growth.

The Strategy’s objectives:  

  • Integrate AI technologies to offer more efficient and transparent government services.
  • Use AI in key development sectors to achieve economic impact and find solutions.
  • Encourage investment in AI research and innovation through public-private partnerships and joint initiatives with universities, research centers, and the private sector.
  • Make the West Bank a regional hub for AI talent and education to meet local and regional market needs and attract international researchers and experts in the field of AI.  
  • Support continuous learning and rebuilding skills that contribute to workforce development and sustainability.
  • Create a thriving AI environment by encouraging and supporting private sector companies, technology companies, local startups, and innovative efforts, and create an academic and scientific environment full of ideas, invention and innovation.
  • Promote a human-centered AI approach that prioritizes Palestinians well-being and facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogue on responsible AI deployment and encourage policy-related discussions for the benefit of society.
  • Leverage AI as an opportunity to integrate marginalized groups into initiatives that promote human advancement and personal development.
  • Facilitate local, regional, and international cooperation to unify views and efforts in the field of AI for the benefit of society.
  • Active contribution in international forums on topics such as AI ethics, responsible AI, and the social and economic impact of AI.
  • Support research bridges between Palestinian and international universities in the field of AI research.


The Strategy’s Action Areas:

  • Artificial Intelligence for Government: Rapid adoption of AI technologies by automating government processes and integrating AI into the decision-making process to increase efficiency and transparency.
  • Artificial Intelligence for Development: Applying AI in various economic sectors to increase efficiency, achieve higher economic growth, and enhance competitiveness. Key projects will be gradually identified and implemented through local and international partnerships, which will always include a capacity-building component to enhance technology and knowledge transfer and contribute to local environment growth. Priority sectors in the first phase include: transportation, energy, agriculture, environment, water management, healthcare, Arabic language processing, economic planning and development, manufacturing, smart infrastructure management, tourism, and cybersecurity.
  • Building technical and administrative capacities in the private and public sectors: Preparing the Palestinians for the era of AI, from public awareness to schools and universities, and through vocational training in technical and non-technical specializations.
  • Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Framework: Building a legal framework that focuses on the implications of using AI on human rights, monitoring, and liability, while considering fairness, accountability, and transparency in the decision-making process.
  • International Activities: Strengthening the Palestinian Territories position regionally and internationally by supporting relevant initiatives and conferences and actively participating in discussions related to AI and international projects.
     

The Palestinian Authority has taken actions to institutionalize AI technologies by creating strategies, governance bodies, legal and ethical draft laws, and some pilot programs in education and data infrastructure.  These actions are still in the early stage.  There are many challenges in implementation, scaling, and technical capacity.  

In education, the Arab American University and Birzeit University in the West Bank are integrating AI into curricula and have recently launched graduate and undergraduate specializations in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.  Other educational programs include the Palestinian Information Technology Association’s (PITA) capacity building and training programs on integrating AI and machine learning in the private tech sector.  

Good opportunities exist for U.S. companies that specialize in AI solutions and applications in the transportation, energy, agriculture, environment, water, tourism, and healthcare sectors.  Future demand is expected for U.S. companies specializing in data storage, cloud computing, servers, and cybersecurity. Doing business with tech companies in the West Bank offers access to a growing pool of young, well-educated talent in areas like software development and data science.  

For more information about AI in the West Bank, please contact Senior Commercial Specialist Assad Barsoum at Assad.Barsoum@trade.gov.