Tunisia is preparing to take a major leap in its digital transformation by implementing a strengthened strategy that fully integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to support its economic and social development.
The country aspires to become a model for digital transformation in Africa. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI, Tunisia aims to pioneer innovation and inspire other African nations to accelerate their own digital transitions.
The success of this strategy could not only transform Tunisia’s economy but also demonstrate Africa’s capacity to harness next-generation technologies for inclusive and sustainable development.
13 universities enroll in AI integration strategy
Thirteen Tunisian universities, along with academic, institutional, and industrial stakeholders, participated in a workshop organized by the Virtual University of Tunis (UVT) titled “AI as a Driver for Higher Education and Scientific Research Transformation: Toward an Integration and Innovation Strategy.”
Held at the International Center for Trainer Training and Pedagogical Innovation (CIFFIP), the event explored AI’s potential in these fields.
Slim Ben Saïd, President of UVT, stated that the initiative aims to develop a five-year strategy for integrating AI into higher education and scientific research.
A roadmap will be submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research after validating the workshop’s outcomes.
He noted that the strategy, in development for several months, focuses on key areas for AI integration in higher education.
Sameh Bokri, a professor at UVT, emphasized the commitment of the participants to support this approach.
The work focuses on several key areas, including building AI skills, promoting basic and applied scientific research, and developing high-quality teaching tailored to the specific needs of learners using AI tools, he said.
It also aims to accelerate the digital transformation of academic institutions while promoting responsible innovation with high socio-economic impact.
AI Readiness: Tunisia drops 11 spots in global ranking
Tunisia ranks 92nd out of 188 countries in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, falling 11 places compared to 2023.
The country has been in continuous decline since 2019, widening its gap with regional leaders. While Tunisia was second only to Kenya in Africa in 2019, it now ranks 6th, trailing Egypt, Mauritius, South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal.
Its score dropped to 43.7/100 (from 46.1 in 2023), marking its lowest since 2019. In North Africa, only Egypt scored above average (55.6).
Tunisia’s weakest performance is in governance (28.6/100), reflecting a lack of strategic adaptation to AI challenges. However, it shows relative strength in digital infrastructure (61.4), the highest in North Africa and improved from last year.
