Tunisia Leads the Way in Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World
Tunisia is among the first Arab countries to recognize the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a fundamental pillar of digital transformation and economic development, according to the Arab Economic Report published by the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) on February 5, 2026.
Key Findings of the Report
The report dedicated a key chapter to highlighting the role of AI in promoting financial inclusion and innovation in Arab countries, in the context of accelerated global technological transformations. Since 2018, Tunisia has launched an ambitious national strategy for artificial intelligence, aiming to support innovation, scientific research, and build an integrated knowledge society. This strategy focused on developing an open data ecosystem, considered an essential element for fueling AI applications, supporting transparency, and stimulating innovation.
Creating a Favorable Ecosystem for Research and Innovation
In this context, Tunisia has worked to establish a favorable ecosystem for research and innovation by creating several centers of excellence, including Novation City and the El Ghazala Technological Pole. These spaces offer a collaborative environment between universities, research centers, and startups, contributing to the development of innovative projects in the AI sector.
Promoting Investment and Entrepreneurship
The promulgation of the startup law in 2018, the first of its kind in Africa, has also strengthened the investment and entrepreneurship climate in the digital fields, particularly AI. Meanwhile, Tunisia organizes the largest competitions for developing AI-based software solutions in the region, which has contributed to dynamizing the innovation ecosystem and attracting skills and investments.
Advanced Position in AI Readiness Index
The report indicates that Tunisia occupies a relatively advanced position in the AI readiness index, reflecting the progress made despite the challenges related to accelerating the pace of project implementation and developing digital infrastructure. In this context, the state continues to modernize its national strategy to follow global technological developments and meet local market requirements.
Ongoing Efforts to Support the Digital Sector
These efforts are part of a broader vision for digital transformation, aiming to ensure social and financial digital inclusion, as well as the digitization of administrative services and their accessibility to all citizens, in accordance with the constitutional right to access information and communication networks.
Implementing the National Strategic Plan
The year 2025 was marked by the continuation of the implementation of the national strategic plan "Tunisia 2025" to promote the telecommunications sector, through the development of legislative and regulatory frameworks, the strengthening of communication infrastructure, support for the digital economy and the digital transformation of the administration, as well as the development of cybersecurity, capacity building, and the dissemination of digital culture.
Future Plans and Initiatives
These efforts will continue in 2026, with government programs included in the 2026 Finance Law, including the acceleration of the complete digitization of state institutions at the central and regional levels, the completion of the elaboration of the executive plan of the national strategy for AI, and the launch of its implementation, as well as support for innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development in digital fields.
Enhancing Cybersecurity
The state also attaches particular importance to strengthening cybersecurity, by finalizing the implementing texts of the decree related to cybersecurity, preparing and launching the implementation of the national cybersecurity strategy for the period 2026-2030, and continuing the implementation of the national cybersecurity audit program for the benefit of public structures.
Developing Cybersecurity Programs and Specializations
The state is also working on the development of training programs and scientific specializations in the field of cybersecurity, the creation of sectoral centers for responding to computer incidents, and supporting the activities of electronic certification service providers, with the aim of creating a competitive environment for the commercialization of electronic certification solutions and associated services.
Integrating Digital Identity into National Services
Furthermore, digital identity will be integrated into the range of services offered by the National Agency for Electronic Certification (TUNTRUST), while providing differentiated offers to ministries and public structures that provide online digital services.
