Tunisia has a growing pool of talented professionals in artificial intelligence (AI), but the country has yet to adopt a comprehensive national strategy to fully leverage this potential, according to a 2025 report by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and other sources.
The report, titled "AI for Africa: A Strategic Framework," highlights that Tunisia ranks among the top African countries in AI research output and startup activity, with several AI-focused startups emerging in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and finance. However, it notes the absence of a dedicated national AI strategy, which hampers coordination, funding, and talent retention.
In contrast, countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa have already launched national AI strategies. Tunisia's Ministry of Communication Technologies has initiated consultations for a digital transformation plan that includes AI components, but no formal strategy has been adopted as of mid-2026.
Experts from the Tunisian Association of Digital Experts (ATN) have called for a clear policy framework to support AI research, attract investment, and prevent brain drain. They emphasize that without a strategy, Tunisia risks losing its competitive edge in the global AI race.