Tunisia has proposed allocating 1.07 billion dinars ($356.8 million) to its Ministry of Communication Technologies in 2027, a 9.3% increase from the previous year.
The proposed budget will support digital public services, telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, Communication Technologies Minister Sofiene Hemissi said during a budget hearing.
The government plans to expand the Khadamet application from more than 40 services to 150, activate 1.5 million digital identities and develop 200 systems to enable data exchange between public administrations. Digital upgrades are also planned for customs, healthcare and the justice sector.
Authorities aim to improve broadband coverage, connect more public institutions to the national administrative network and expand domestic cloud capacity. The planned commissioning of the Medusa submarine cable is also expected to strengthen digital infrastructure.
Tunisia is targeting 2,000 officially recognised startups in 2027, up from about 1,400 in 2026. The program also includes digital skills training, support for artificial intelligence and proposed changes to data protection, telecommunications and digital platform regulations.
Implementation could face persistent obstacles, including uneven internet access, limited cybersecurity capabilities, data protection concerns and shortages in digital skills. Lawmakers also raised concerns about network coverage and online safety for children.
Source: Ecofin Agency
