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🇹🇳 Tunisia /Technology

Tunisia enters global Top 30 for AI scientific publications with new strategy

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Tunisia aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for economic and social transformation, outlining a national strategy for 2026-2030.
  • The strategy emphasizes AI use within a framework that respects citizens' rights, privacy, and constitutional freedoms, enhancing national sovereignty and cybersecurity.
  • Tunisia ranks 29th globally in AI scientific publications and possesses a strong pool of talent, supported by a favorable legal environment for innovation and its strategic geographic location.

Tunisia is positioning artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver for economic and social change, unveiling a national strategy for 2026-2030. Presented during a ministerial council meeting focused on digital transformation, the strategy underscores the nation's commitment to harnessing technological advancements while safeguarding citizens' rights and freedoms.

The approach prioritizes AI implementation within a framework that respects individual privacy and constitutional rights. This focus aims to bolster national sovereignty and strengthen the country's defenses against evolving digital risks. The government views AI as essential for Tunisia's future development.

Tunisia's ambition is supported by its significant scientific and human capital. The country ranks 29th worldwide in AI scientific publications and boasts a substantial pool of skilled engineers and academics recognized internationally. This human resource is complemented by a legal framework, including the Startup Act, designed to foster innovation and attract technological investment.

Furthermore, Tunisia intends to capitalize on its strategic geographic location, bridging Europe, Africa, and the Arab world. Authorities see this as an advantage for establishing the country as a regional hub for exporting digital solutions and services. The goal extends beyond domestic AI adoption to positioning Tunisian companies and expertise in global markets, making the digital sector a significant export contributor.

While promoting AI, the strategy also addresses potential risks. Prime Minister Sara Zaafrani Zenzri stressed the importance of a preventive approach alongside AI development. The overarching objective is to enable Tunisia to fully benefit from AI's transformative potential while ensuring digital sovereignty and protecting citizens' rights.

We are analyzing these matters in detail, evaluating the extent of the benefits versus the negative impacts, to strike a balance.

— Khaing Khaing SoeMyanmar government spokeswoman discussing the evaluation of the Myitsone project's benefits and drawbacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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