The World Bank released a lengthy report Feb. 9 on the development of the Palestinian digital economy.

The report assessed the state of the digital economy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The bank examined internet access and speed, use of technology in different sectors and startups in the Palestinian territories, among other topics. The report was finished at the end of 2021, but released today.

The World Bank noted significant progress in technological advancement in the West Bank and Gaza. In 2019, 80% of Palestinian households had internet access, compared to 52% in 2017. Around 64% of the population has access to third generation (3G) technology, which was only introduced in 2018, leading to a “sharp increase” in connectivity. The Gaza Strip, on the other hand, has internet at 2G speed.

Several challenges remain, however, according to the World Bank. Only a third of companies in the West Bank and Gaza have their own website, compared to 50% in the Arab world. Access to computers is another issue, particularly in the Gaza Strip. For example, on average, 14 students share one computer in school labs in the West Bank. In Gaza, the average is 43 students.