Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are key to modernizing nations and boosting their competitiveness. By investing in these areas, countries can upgrade infrastructure, improve public services, and strengthen their digital economies.

Tunisia plans to implement a digital transformation strategy and an artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, according to Communications Technology Minister Sofiene Hemissi. The announcement came on the sidelines of the 10th International Forum for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), held in Hammamet from Thursday, November 7 to Saturday, November 9. The initiatives aim to boost digital usage and leverage Tunisia’s AI potential.

Hemissi explained that the national digital transformation strategy will be built on several core pillars: digitizing administrative and public services, fostering the digital economy, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in digital fields, enhancing communication network infrastructure, and strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks to secure cyberspace.

The AI strategy, set for launch in 2025, aims to integrate AI into key sectors, including health, education, environment, and transport, while advancing digitalization and promoting open data usage. It also emphasizes creating business incubators and support programs for promising tech projects at the local level.

The upcoming digital strategy will replace the 2022-2025 plan, which positioned Tunisia among Africa's digital leaders. According to the latest report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), released in December 2023, Tunisia ranks 8th in Africa with a score of 77.2 out of 100 in ICT development. In e-government, Tunisia leads in North Africa and ranks third continent-wide, according to the United Nations’ E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development. The report gives Tunisia a score of 0.6935 out of 1, surpassing the African average of 0.4247.

Samira Njoya