Strengthening formalisation pathways for MSMEs in Gaza through improved access to productivity enhancement services, and stronger MSME organisation and voice in social dialogue

In line with the policy priorities and objectives identified in the National Employment Strategy 2021-2025, and in support of MSMEs reeling from the impact of Covid-19 and precarious socio-economic conditions in Gaza, this project aims to address informality through facilitating the transition to the formal economy for start-ups and MSMEs in the (i) professional services sub-sector, particularly those operating in platform and e-freelancing economy; and (ii) food processing sub-sector (including home-based businesses), both of which are predominantly managed by young, female workers. 

Objectives

The intervention aims to address informality by facilitating the transition to the formal economy for start-ups and MSMEs in the professional services sub-sector, particularly those operating in the platform and e-freelancing economy, and the food processing sub-sector, including home-based businesses, both predominantly managed by young, female workers. This will be achieved through two complementary and closely interlinked areas of activity:

• Fostering dialogue and strengthening employers’ associations, MSMEs and their workers in the targeted sectors. 
• Supporting productivity enhancement within MSMEs in the targeted sectors.
   

Outcomes

• Result 1: MSMEs in the two sectors in Gaza have access to more responsive and better institutionalized business development services and productivity-enhancement programmes to facilitate their transition to formalisation.
• Result 2: Informal enterprises have greater voice in social dialogue through strengthened association