Infrastructure development, both donor and privately financed, has slowed in the West Bank. Two long stalled combined cycle gas-fired power generation plant projects in the West Bank are slowly moving forward and is full of potential. Climate technologies are also full of potential as donor and private financing shifts to sustainable development. Other projects that have been authorized by the Israeli government include an expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and services (4G in the West Bank and Gaza); sanitation upgrades and expansion, waste disposal, water services; and road upgrades. Several municipalites in the West Bank also seek solutions for municipal solid waste management and have actively solicited tenders for waste-to-energy technologies.
In the West Bank, expected future demand for private housing construction for middle and lower-middle-income families is expected to rise. There is a growing trend toward building large commercial and multi-story residential buildings. In response, Palestinian developers have embarked on major development projects such as “Rawabi,” a residential city with co-located shopping, entertainment, educational facilities, and work spaces that is located north of Ramallah. Another example of a combined commercial and residential project is “El Ersal,” located in Ramallah. Jericho is seeing significant investment in villas for resort living and second family homes.
In the West Bank and Gaza, expansion can be expected in the local production of processed foods, olive oil, hardware, wood and cane furniture, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and housewares. In addition, franchising and distributorships are popular, with the best prospects traditionally found in fast food and apparel. Imports of healthcare products, such as medical equipment and disposables, are also increasing due to continued international donor support and population increase.
The current limitations and constraints in Gaza often require non-traditional solutions and technologies. Most Gaza-based infrastructure projects are donor financed and require approvals from relevant Israeli authorities.