Tunisia Refines Its AI Transformation Strategy

Tunisia is preparing to take a major step in its digital transformation by implementing an enhanced 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, leveraging advanced technologies like AI to pioneer innovation and inspire other African nations to accelerate their digital transitions.

Higher Education and Scientific Research Initiative

Thirteen Tunisian universities, along with academic, institutional, and industrial stakeholders, participated in a workshop organized by the Virtual University of Tunis (UVT) entitled "AI as a Driver for Transforming Higher Education and Scientific Research: Towards an Integration and Innovation Strategy." The event, held at the International Center for Trainer Training and Pedagogical Innovation (CIFFIP), explored AI's potential in these fields.

Slim Ben Said, 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 validation of workshop results.

He noted that the strategy, under development for several months, focuses on key areas for AI integration in higher education. Samia Bokri, Professor at UVT, emphasized participants' commitment to supporting this approach.

The work focuses on several key areas, including building AI skills, promoting basic and applied scientific research, developing high-quality education tailored to learners' specific needs using AI tools, accelerating the digital transformation of academic institutions, and promoting responsible innovation with high socio-economic impact.

AI Readiness: Tunisia's Decline in Global Rankings

Tunisia ranked 92nd out of 188 countries in Oxford Insights' 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, dropping 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, behind Egypt, Mauritius, South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal.

Its score dropped to 43.7/100 (from 46.1 in 2023), marking its lowest level 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.

Source: AfricanManager, 14/04/2025