2023-11-25 09:13:02
Tunisia is preparing for a major digital transformation, but its potential remains untapped. Although the country ranks high in Africa in many digital areas, the reality on the ground leaves citizens and businesses wanting more.
Tunisia, located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, is poised to make significant progress in the field of digital transformation. Yet despite its high ranking in Africa in many digital-related areas, a sense of frustration persists about fully realizing its potential. The penetration of digital infrastructure has been notable, but the experience of citizens and businesses in using digital technologies leaves something to be desired.
This is, in a few words, the observation made by Kais Mejri, general director of the AFI (Industrial Land Agency), during his participation in a panel on “Infrastructure and access to technologies as a prerequisite for digital transformation”, recently organized in Hammamet.
Time, the master of words…
In this same context, Mejri added that the statistics from the Global Innovation Index clearly show the situation. The latter distinguishes between “input indicators” (potential) and “output indicators” (exploitation). “Tunisia ranks well in terms of potential, with a solid education system, qualified human resources and developing infrastructure. However, when it comes to effectively harnessing these assets to drive economic growth, challenges remain. While developed countries attribute on average 25% of their economic growth to digital, Tunisia is between 7 and 10%,” he stressed.
On another level, he indicated that the question of time is of crucial importance in this era of digital transition. Digital technology has accelerated the pace of economic, political, climatic and demographic revolutions underway around the world. In Tunisia, the major challenge consists of adapting to the frenetic pace of these developments.
“The clock is ticking rapidly in the era of digital transition, where digital catalyzes a new world in the making, whether political, climatic, demographic, energy or other transitions. Time has become a precious currency in this changing economy,” he said.
Three key factors
To make this transition successful, three key factors must be taken into account. First of all, digital governance must be strengthened. In this context, the legal framework must be updated and adapted to technological advances since the current legislative texts no longer meet the needs of the digital sector, particularly with regard to the exploitation of data and artificial intelligence. It is therefore essential to develop laws that keep pace with technological progress.
Next, the infrastructure must be developed quickly. Tunisia has already launched projects, such as broadband, satellite connection and national cloud, but their implementation must be accelerated. This requires ensuring adequate computing, storage and data management capacity to create a data-driven economy.
Finally, the third pillar is talent. Tunisia is renowned for its skills in the digital field, but it is losing many talents due to a lack of opportunities and insufficient motivation. It is essential to develop digital skills, promote digital culture and put in place policies to retain local talent. Businesses and the public sector must work together to provide attractive opportunities for young talents and encourage them to stay in Tunisia.
To fully realize its potential in the field of digital transformation, Kais Mejri affirmed that Tunisia must tackle these three priorities: improving digital governance, rapidly developing its infrastructure and investing in the development and retention of talents. “By creating a dynamic digital ecosystem and aligning its efforts around a common vision, Tunisia can ensure sustainable economic growth and play a leading role in the region.”
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