Blogs

Given that ICT has already provided a powerful boost to the Tunisia’s growth and competitiveness in recent years, the government has already engaged in creating a more robust regulatory environment, promoting best practices in tech development and addressing some of the biggest consumer drags on the ICT and technology sectors’ growth.

Creating a More Robust Regulatory Environment

Since 2000, Tunisia has been drafting, implementing and executing regulatory regulations that promote both conformity of platforms and promote ICT competition.  In addition to the creation and regular updating of a Telecommunications Code as late 2012, the Tunisian government has also created National Telecommunications Authority to promote healthy and fair competition among participant firms.  Finally, legislation promoting e-commerce, electronic transactions and exchanges has been supported by the creation of the National Agency for Computer Security in charge of general supervision over computer systems and networks.

Promoting Best Practices in Tech Development

In addition to creating a strong legal and regulatory base, the Tunisian government has been active in promoting best practices within the public and private sectors to ensure that the regulatory framework is put to good use in creating economic growth.  For example, the Tunisian education system now targets no few than 16% of its higher education students in the applied fields of ICT and tech. The government has invested heavily in the Elgazala Technopole technological park that supports no fewer than 15 cyber parks across the country with two additional physical technoparks planned for the near future.  Finally, Tunisia has successfully launched the TradeNet system to efficiently serve as the one-stop-shop for clearing trading transactions around the country.

Addressing Consumer ICT and Tech Challenges

While the above actions support Tunisia’s supply of ICT and tech resources, demand and consumption of ICT and tech resources must also be addressed. For example, cost is an issue that continues to hamper demand. ICT services in Tunisia are expensive compared to non-regional competitors, create an obstacle for foreign direct investment. Similarly, businesses show weak ICT usage in securing procurements and purchases, exploiting internet-based banking, providing on-line services and the use of ICT for internal/external recruitment.

Obviously Tunisia has made great strides in ICT development, but further investment in consumption and usage of ICT services could increase productivity and unleash untapped potential.

Read Part I

Gley Elhadj is the Minister of Communication Technologies and Digital Economy in Tunisia. He is appointed Chairman and CEO of the Tunisian Post Co., to put into action its transformation from an administrative entity to a commercial company and to integrate new technologies into its long-standing traditions. In 1991, he was appointed as Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, to lead the Structural Adjustment programme in this sector. He holds the highest diploma of the Administrative School of Administration.