Tunisia plans to allocate 1.07 billion dinars, or about $356.8 million, to the Ministry of Communication Technologies in its 2027 budget, a 9.3% increase aimed at accelerating digital transformation, telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Communication Technologies Minister Sofiene Hemissi outlined the priorities on Nov. 6 during a hearing before two committees of the National Council of Regions and Districts reviewing the ministry’s draft 2027 budget.
Public services, infrastructure, and AI
The ministry plans to expand the number of services available through the Khadamet application to 150, up from more than 40 currently. It also targets activating 1.5 million digital identities and developing 200 interoperability services to facilitate data exchanges between government departments.
Other planned projects include digitalizing information systems in customs, healthcare, and the justice sector.
Authorities also intend to expand broadband coverage, particularly in priority areas, and connect more public institutions to the national administrative network. The planned commissioning of the Medusa submarine cable and expansion of domestic cloud computing capacity are expected to strengthen digital infrastructure and technological sovereignty.
The program also includes cybersecurity measures such as IT security audits and initiatives to protect children online.
Beyond infrastructure, the government aims to promote AI, support innovation, and expand the digital economy. Tunisia plans to increase the number of companies holding the official “Startup” label to 2,000 in 2027, compared with about 1,400 in 2026.
The government also plans to develop platforms for foreign exporters, community enterprises, and the marketing of products made by rural women, initiatives aimed at supporting economic and financial inclusion. Strengthening digital skills is another component of the program.
Regulatory reforms planned
Several regulatory reforms are also planned. Authorities intend to revise the personal data protection law and Telecommunications Code, introduce rules governing digital intermediary platforms and online freelance work, and develop an ethical charter for artificial intelligence.
The government also plans to adapt the legal framework to facilitate investment in data centers and cloud infrastructure.
Digital ambitions face persistent challenges
Tunisia aims to use digital technologies to modernize public administration, stimulate economic development and improve services for citizens. However, international indicators suggest significant room for improvement.
In the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index, Tunisia ranked 87th among 193 economies with a score of 0.6935 out of 1. The ranking reflects progress in digital government development but also highlights the need to expand online public services and improve citizens’ access to digital tools.
Cybersecurity presents another challenge. In its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, the International Telecommunication Union placed Tunisia in Tier 3, known as “Establishing,” on a five-tier scale. The classification underscores the need to strengthen institutional, technical, and operational cybersecurity capabilities.
Unequal internet access, disparities in network coverage across technologies and regions, data protection requirements, and shortages of digital skills also remain obstacles that could limit Tunisia’s ability to achieve its digital transformation objectives.
Lawmakers raised similar concerns during the budget hearing, questioning officials about inadequate network coverage in certain areas, personal data protection risks and online safety for children. They also highlighted the shortage of post offices and recurring failures of automated teller machines.
TunisianMonitorNews
