Digital Transformation: A Fundamental Pillar for Building a Strong and Just Public Service and National Economy
The Minister of Communication Technologies, Soufiene Hemissi, emphasized that digital transformation has become a fundamental pillar for building a strong and just public service and national economy.
Key Initiatives
The Minister of Communication Technologies considered that the implementation of this transformation involves:
- Executing a program to digitize administrative services, focusing on vital services most in demand by citizens
- Strengthening digital inclusion and developing telecommunications infrastructure
- Generalizing coverage across the entire territory of the Republic and for all social categories, in accordance with Article 38 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the State works to guarantee the right of access to communication networks
Responding to Parliamentary Questions
In response to questions from deputies during the examination of the communication technologies mission budget within the framework of the 2026 state budget project, during a joint session of the two chambers (House of People's Representatives and National Council of Regions and Districts) on Monday, Hemissi indicated that digitizing administrative services does not mean abandoning traditional services to which citizens have access in person.
Ongoing Projects
He recalled the importance of the unified portal for administrative services and the progress made in realizing the digital platform for procedures, which will replace the administrative orientation and communication system. He also mentioned the launch of the operation of the first phase of the Digital Consulate project for Tunisians living abroad, as well as the launch of the national platform for monitoring public projects.
Postal Services Reform
Regarding postal services and their proximity to citizens, the Minister of Communication Technologies explained that the ministry is "racing against time" to reform the system. He specified that it is not possible to respond to all demands (which amount to 100) related to the creation of post offices in different regions, as opening a post office requires finding premises and human resources.
Addressing Staffing Deficits
In the same context, he highlighted that the staffing deficit is due to the recruitment freeze policy since 2016. He indicated that the ministry has opened a competition to recruit 260 agents, whose results will be announced during the first quarter of 2026. Hemissi also anticipated the opening of another competition for the 2026 fiscal year to recruit an additional number of agents, in addition to adopting a program to detach agents from other administrations.
Upcoming Developments
Regarding ATMs, he explained that the ministry has launched a call for tenders and that the acquisition authorization has been announced. The installation of all ATMs will be finalized within the next two months, and a second market will be announced for the acquisition of an additional number of devices.
Regulatory Framework
As for the fundamental law regulating the National Post Office, the minister specified that the project for this text has been presented to the Board of Directors, which has formulated additional proposals that the ministry is studying.
Financial Inclusion
Regarding the Post Office Bank, the minister emphasized that providing banking services by the Tunisian Post is necessary to combat financial exclusion, but the Post Office Bank cannot operate under the current law related to financial institutions. Consequently, the ministry is still studying certain technical issues.
Network Coverage
Regarding the coverage of inland and border regions by communication networks, he reaffirmed that the ministry is working to inventory uncovered areas and forcing operators to respect their commitments, as "there is no complete digitization without complete network coverage".
National Computing Center
Regarding the National Computing Center (CNI), he indicated that the Center's fundamental law is being studied and revised.
Cybersecurity
He declared that "our computer systems are secure, contrary to sensational comments on social media".
Startup Law Revision
He specified that the upcoming period will see the revision of the startup law, to enable them to participate in public markets.
