Like many countries, Tunisia has embraced digital technology to modernize its operations. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of processes, particularly when it comes to data collection.

Tunisia is set to conduct its thirteenth General Population and Housing Census from November 6 to December 31. This census, fully digitized, marks a shift from traditional paper-based methods. The government formalized the announcement with a decree issued by the head of government on Wednesday, October 16.

To ensure the success of this digital-first initiative, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) developed a Tunisian-made application to centralize data collection and enable real-time processing. Additionally, 9,000 tablets have been procured for census agents, who will visit households across the country. The project has a total budget of 89 million dinars (approximately 28.8 million USD), with 24% dedicated to IT infrastructure.

This initiative aligns with the country’s 2026-2030 development strategy. It is also part of the digital transformation efforts outlined in the National Strategic Plan “Tunisia Digital 2020.” The government is leveraging digital technology to optimize various sectors, including the census, where data accuracy is critical.

The use of digital tools will not only speed up the census process but also improve its accuracy. Tablets and a dedicated app will help eliminate errors often associated with manual methods. Real-time data collection will provide reliable statistics, essential for public policy planning, and enhance overall efficiency. Preliminary results are expected to be published in February 2025, with detailed data available by September 20, 2025.

Samira Njoya