Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming societies and economies worldwide. Tunisia has recognized the potential of AI for socio-economic development while also facing challenges in governance, ethics, and integration of this technology.

The draft project of  Tunsian AI national strategy underscores Tunisia’s commitment to harnessing AI’s transformative potential for socio-economic progress while positioning the country as a leading player in the global AI landscape.

By 2030, Tunisia aspires to become a vibrant technological hub in the region, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to attract talent, drive inclusive growth, and enhance the quality of life for all its citizens To build upon Tunisia’s achievements and strengths in AI by fostering knowledge-driven economic growth, promoting social inclusion, improving public services, and repositioning the country as a regional and global leader in innovation.

Strategic Objectives of the strategy:

Ecosystem Development:  Facilitate the emergence of Tunisia’s AI ecosystem through robust data governance frameworks and by attracting both local and international talent.

Sectoral AI Adoption : Prioritize the integration of AI into key economic sectors to ensure sustainable and inclusive development across the country.

Public Service Efficiency: Enhance the efficiency of public services through digitization and personalization, ensuring citizens receive tailored and effective solutions.

Regional and Global Visibility : Elevate Tunisia’s AI ecosystem’s visibility at regional and international levels, showcasing its potential and fostering partnerships.

Regulatory Framework Alignment : Establish a national regulatory framework aligned with international initiatives to ensure the responsible and ethical adoption of AI.

1 . Analysis of Tunisia’s AI Ecosystem

Strengths of Tunisia’s AI Ecosystem

Skilled Talent Pool

1. Tunisia benefits from excellent university programs in mathematics, engineering, computer science, and data science, which produce professionals skilled in AI fields such as machine learning, big data, and robotics.
2. Tunisian professionals are known for their adaptability, professionalism, and open-mindedness, making them highly sought after both regionally and internationally.
3. Emerging expertise in cybersecurity creates opportunities to secure public databases and export new products and services globally.

Innovation and Entrepreneurial Drive

1. Entrepreneurs and academics in Tunisia show strong motivation for innovation and AI research.
2. The Startup Act (2018) and the rise of national unicorns have fueled a dynamic ecosystem of AI startups.
3. National and regional incubation programs, along with innovation hubs like The Dot, contribute to strengthening entrepreneurial efforts.

Digital Infrastructure

1. Tunisia is one of the most connected African nations, with 55% of its population online, ranking as the 3rd most connected country on the continent.
2. Its proximity to European markets facilitates trade and technological exchange, boosting the ecosystem’s growth potential.

Legal and Policy Frameworks

1. Initiatives like the “Tunisia Digital Strategy” (2021-2025) and “Towards Industry 4.0 in Tunisia” establish a foundation for digital transformation.
2. These frameworks encourage inter-ministerial coordination and have enabled projects like the unique citizen identifier and interoperability of state information systems.
3. Efforts since 2018 have raised awareness of the need for a national AI strategy tailored to Tunisia’s context.

Weaknesses of Tunisia’s AI Ecosystem

Limited Computing Infrastructure

1. Tunisia lacks a national cloud and faces high costs for accessing competitive foreign cloud services like Google Cloud or AWS.
2. Despite initiatives like technology cards for entrepreneurs, capped limits and restrictions on alternative payment methods, such as PayPal, hinder the acquisition of necessary computing resources.

Challenges in Data Collection and Management

1. The absence of a robust national data policy slows entrepreneurial initiatives.
2. Restrictions, such as bans on deploying drones, impede data collection essential for applications in agriculture and transportation.
3. Administrative and regulatory hurdles further complicate the development and commercialization of AI products and services.

Economic and Financial Constraints

1. A complex banking and financial system, coupled with restrictions on foreign currency transactions and monetary instability, limit technological development opportunities.
2. Increasing budget deficits have reduced public and private investments, prioritizing essential sectors like health and food.

Brain Drain and Talent Retention

1. High unemployment rates (18.4%), particularly among university graduates (31.1%), have led to significant brain drain.
2. Complicated visa and residency procedures make it challenging to attract foreign talent.

Gaps in Education and Research Collaboration

1. University training is sometimes overly theoretical and lacks specialization due to insufficient partnerships between academia and the private sector.
2. This disconnect is mirrored in the lack of collaboration for research and development in AI

2. Opportunities for AI Development

• Talent Pool: Tunisia’s strong academic training in STEM fields provides a foundation for cultivating AI expertise.
• Geographical Advantage: Proximity to European and MENA markets facilitates technology exchange and partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Programs like the Startup Act and innovation hubs like The Dot drive AI-related entrepreneurial activities.
• International Cooperation: Partnering with global organizations like UNESCO and the EU can bolster Tunisia’s AI initiatives.
• Recommendations for Ethical AI Policy

Develop a National AI Strategy: Establish a cohesive framework that integrates ethical principles, such as transparency, accountability, and human rights protection.

Create a Regulatory Body: Form a dedicated AI regulatory agency to oversee implementation, monitor compliance, and address grievances.

Enhance Public Awareness: Promote education and public dialogue about AI’s ethical implications to build trust and understanding.

Strengthen Infrastructure: Invest in digital infrastructure, including cloud computing and data centers, to support AI development.

Foster Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector to drive innovation.

Focus on Local Context: Develop AI solutions tailored to Tunisia’s socio-economic realities, with a strong emphasis on cultural and linguistic considerations.

Inspirations from Global Best Practices

European Union’s AI Act: Tunisia could adopt a risk-based approach to AI governance, categorizing applications by potential harm and implementing strict standards for high-risk systems.

United Kingdom’s Flexible Regulation Model: Sector-specific regulations with central coordination could ensure both innovation and ethical compliance.

African AI Strategies: Learning from countries like Senegal and Egypt .  Tunisia could focus on ethical AI, capacity building, and local innovation.

Conclusion

Tunisia stands at a pivotal juncture in its AI journey. By addressing current challenges and capitalizing on existing opportunities, the country can establish itself as a regional leader in ethical AI. A clear national strategy, robust regulatory frameworks, and international collaborations will be essential to achieving this vision. With sustained efforts, Tunisia can ensure the responsible and equitable use of AI for societal progress.