Ramallah-based impact organization MENACatalyst Foundation has formalized a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Palestine Trade Center – PalTrade to accelerate economic development within the Palestinian territories. The agreement, signed in Ramallah on January 21, 2026, by MENACatalyst member Abdallah Abu Kishk and PalTrade CEO Ruwa Jabr, establishes a three-year framework for collaboration aimed at empowering the local business ecosystem.
Unifying Efforts for Economic Resilience
The partnership focuses on four critical pillars: SME development, startup empowerment, market access, and Diaspora engagement. By combining resources, the two organizations aim to leverage their complementary expertise to create a more robust support system for Palestinian businesses and entrepreneurs.
For PalTrade, the national trade promotion organization established in 1998, this collaboration reinforces its mission to make the Palestinian economy globally connected and export-driven. The alliance is expected to enhance the capacity of local SMEs to penetrate international markets while providing early-stage startups with the structural support needed to scale.
Bridging the Gap with the Diaspora
A significant component of the MoU is the focus on Diaspora engagement. MENACatalyst Foundation has long prioritized connecting the global Palestinian and regional diaspora with local changemakers. This partnership is set to institutionalize these connections, opening new avenues for mentorship, investment, and knowledge transfer from Palestinian expatriates back to the local economy.
About MENACatalyst Foundation
MENACatalyst Foundation (MC) is an impact-driven nonprofit organization based in Stockholm with a strong operational focus on the Middle East. The foundation works to create the conditions necessary for marginalized communities to emerge as leaders of positive social impact and lasting economic growth. Through collaboration with a global donor community and leading organizations, MC designs and implements tailor-made interventions to address the specific economic and social challenges faced by communities across the MENA region.
Source: MENACatalyst Foundation
