Tunisia has made an early strategic choice in service of digital transformation and economic development.
The country ranks among the very first Arab nations to grasp the strategic importance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a central pillar of digital transformation and economic growth.
A national strategy launched as early as 2018
This progress is highlighted in the 45th issue of the Unified Arab Economic Report, published on Thursday, February 5, which notes that Tunisia adopted in 2018 an ambitious national strategy. It rests on innovation, scientific research, and the construction of an integrated knowledge-based society, capable of aligning with global technological dynamics.
The Tunisian strategy places open data at the core, considered a critical raw material for the development of artificial intelligence, while promoting transparency and innovation.
Its aims notably include:
• encourage innovation in the health sector, through intelligent solutions for care and diagnosis ;
• develop smart transportation to improve traffic management and public transport systems ;
• integrate AI in the public sector to increase the efficiency of government services and simplify administrative procedures.
A supported innovation ecosystem
The Arab Monetary Fund hailed Tunisia’s establishment of an integrated research and innovation ecosystem, embodied notably by the Innovation City (Novation City) and the El Ghazala Technopark. These hubs bring together universities, research centers, and start-ups, offering an environment conducive to the development of AI projects.
The report also highlights the adoption in 2018 of the startup law, the first of its kind in Africa, aimed at supporting innovative entrepreneurship, including in the field of AI.
Another strong point: Tunisia hosting the region’s largest competition for the development of software solutions (hackathon) in artificial intelligence, an event that stimulates innovation and attracts investments.
Towards ethical governance of digital technology
According to the Arab Monetary Fund, Tunisia is currently working on the development of a code of digital practices and an ethical charter for artificial intelligence, alongside the creation of the Tunisian Digital Observatory, intended to support decision-makers in the digital sector.
The country also holds an honorable position in the AI readiness index for governments, reflecting notable progress despite persistent challenges, notably in accelerating implementation and developing infrastructure. This dynamic is part of the ongoing update of the national strategy to keep pace with global developments and meet local market needs.
A reference report for the Arab economy
Published annually, the Unified Arab Economic Report constitutes a model of Arab institutional cooperation. It provides an in-depth analysis of economic developments in Arab countries and presents a comprehensive overview of the regional economy in light of regional and international developments.
The 2024 edition covers notably agriculture, industry, oil and energy, public finances, monetary and banking developments, financial markets, external and intra-Arab trade, balance of payments, external debt, and exchange rates.
The report dedicates a key chapter titled “Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work for Financial Inclusion and Innovation in Arab Countries,” highlighting the growing role of AI in supporting economic development. It also addresses Arab development aid, regional cooperation in cybersecurity, and concludes with an analysis of the Palestinian economy.
An improvement despite a tense global context
Finally, the report notes that, despite the persistence of geopolitical tensions and global economic shocks, Arab economies recorded in 2024 an improvement in their performance compared with 2023. This positive evolution is driven by stronger non-oil activities and by the growth of foreign and domestic investments in several Arab countries, thanks to the adoption of appropriate economic policies.
The Arab Monetary Fund and partner institutions reaffirm that the Unified Arab Economic Report remains an essential reference for decision-makers, contributing to informed choices in favor of economic stability and sustainable development in the Arab world.
