Tunis: Tunisia is among the first Arab countries to recognize the strategic importance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of digital transformation and economic development, according to the Arab Economic Report published by the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) on February 5, 2026. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the report highlights AI's role in promoting financial inclusion and driving innovation across Arab countries amid accelerating global technological change. Since 2018, Tunisia has implemented an ambitious national AI strategy to support innovation, scientific research, and the development of an integrated knowledge-based society. A key focus of the strategy has been the creation of an open data ecosystem, essential for powering AI applications, enhancing transparency, and fostering innovation. To this end, Tunisia has established centers of excellence such as the Novation City and the El Ghazala Technology Park, providing collaborative environments for universities, research centers , and startups, and fostering innovative AI projects. The 2018 startup law, the first of its kind in Africa, further strengthened Tunisia's investment and entrepreneurship climate in the digital and AI sectors. Tunisia also hosts major AI-based software development competitions in the region, helping to energize the innovation ecosystem and attract both talent and investment. According to the report, Tunisia ranks relatively high on the Government AI Readiness Index, reflecting significant progress despite challenges in accelerating project implementation and developing digital infrastructure. The government continues to modernize its national AI strategy to keep pace with global technological trends and meet local market needs. Sustained Efforts to Advance the Digital Sector These initiatives are part of a broader digital transformation vision aimed at ensuring social and financial inclusion, digitizing administrative services, and making them accessible to all citizens in line with constitutional rights to information and communication. In 2025, Tunisia continued implementing its national strategic plan 'Tunisia 2025' to develop the communications technology sector. Efforts focused on improving legislative and regulatory frameworks, strengthening communication infrastructure, supporting the digital economy, driving administrative digital transformation, advancing cybersecurity, building capacity, and promoting digital literacy. In 2026, these efforts will continue under programs outlined in the 2026 Finance Law, including accelerating the full digitization of state institutions at central and regional levels, finalizing and implementing the executive plan for the national AI strategy, and promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development. The government is also prioritizing cybersecurity, finalizing implementation texts for the cybersecurity decree, launching the national cybersecurity strategy for 2026-2030, and continuing the national cybersecurity audit program for public instituti ons. Additional measures include establishing sectoral incident response centers, developing specialized training and scientific programs in cybersecurity, and supporting electronic certification service providers to foster a competitive environment for digital trust services. Digital identity services will be integrated into the offerings of the National Electronic Certification Agency (TUNTRUST), with tailored services for ministries and public institutions providing online digital services.