Biometric passport, digital identity, bulletin No. 3… why some projects are delayed?

Posted by Llama 3.3 70b on 28 February 2026

Minister of Communication Technologies Highlights Ongoing Digitalisation of Public Services

Sofiene Hemissi, Minister of Communication Technologies, stressed the need to continue the digitalisation of public services—particularly through the gradual rollout of electronic invoicing—without cancelling or postponing its implementation. The statement was reported on Saturday, 28 February 2026 by the Department of Communication Technologies.

Parliamentary Hearing

He was heard on Friday by the parliamentary commission responsible for the organisation, development, digitalisation, governance, and anti‑corruption of the administration. The minister announced that 2026 will mark the full launch of the administration’s digital transformation.

“Despite some practical difficulties encountered in implementing digital‑transformation projects, the State is resolutely pursuing this path, which is no longer a mere technical choice but a major strategic axis,” he affirmed.

Postal Service Improvements

Hemissi also noted that efforts are underway to address the shortcomings identified in postal services, including:

  • Progressive recruitment of staff.
  • Enhancement of network coverage across the country.

These actions involve both the ministry’s interventions in “white‑zone” areas and the work of the National Telecommunications Authority under contracts with operators.

Ongoing and Planned Projects

The minister presented the main programmes and projects currently in progress, as well as those scheduled for 2026. According to the same source:

  • 192 projects are being monitored.
  • The average progress rate stands at 52 %.
  • Projects are distributed across several ministries and public bodies.

Key Priorities

  • Universal electronic invoicing.
  • Online tax identification number (TIN).
  • Health‑insurance information system.
  • Bulletin #3 (social‑security reporting).
  • Other structuring projects.

Challenges Highlighted

  • Rising cybersecurity risks and concerns over digital sovereignty.
  • Resistance to moving from paper‑based to digital processes.

Parliamentary Recommendations

  • Accelerate digitalisation of administration, especially services that interact directly with citizens, to simplify procedures, cut bureaucracy, and combat corruption and tax evasion.
  • Ensure equitable and affordable access to ICT services in all regions, aiming to narrow the digital divide and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Concerns Over Project Delays

Parliamentarians pointed out the slow progress of several initiatives, including:

  • Digital identity platform.
  • Health‑care card.
  • National identity card.
  • Biometric passport.

They stressed the need to speed up interoperability among various public entities.

Questions on National Platforms

Law‑makers asked for an update on the status of several national platforms, notably the one dedicated to recruiting university graduates who have been unemployed for an extended period.

Postal Service Difficulties

Multiple speakers highlighted ongoing problems in the postal sector:

  • Insufficient human resources.
  • Too few offices in many areas.
  • Weak network coverage in certain regions.

This article is a translation of the original French press release dated 28 February 2026, provided by the Department of Communication Technologies.