Tunisia is a developing country — with a GDP per capita of $12,165 — and has diverse developmental potentials in economic, social and other terms. According to multiple sources including newspapers, Tunisia is a growing economy with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and services and has affordable healthcare, education, vibrant culture and improved well-being of people. The strategic location of the Republic of Tunisia as a gateway to Africa and Europe presents opportunities for attracting foreign investment and further economic development. Among others, natural resources (such as phosphate, gas and oil), a skilled workforce, a growing technology sector, commitment to economic reforms and the diversification of production and trade provide opportunities for further development, innovation and well-being in Tunisia.
But there are economic, political and other development challenges in Tunisia. A lack of infrastructure to attract foreign investment, high unemployment rates, a struggling tourism industry due to security concerns, regional disparities in economic growth and rising income inequality are crucial development challenges. Tunisia also faces challenges to attracting foreign investment and private sector growth, crucial to driving economic development, bureaucratic red tape, political instability and corruption. Among others, there are political rights violations and the media faces pressure and intimidation from the government in Tunisia, despite the potential of their improvement after the Arab Spring that overthrew President Ben Ali in 2011. Opposition parties boycotted the 2022 parliamentary elections, claiming that the president staged a coup after shutting the parliament in 2021 and consolidating unlimited executive powers.
Tunisia — a country that became independent in 1956 — has made legal, policy based and other efforts to address its developmental challenges. Tunisia has implemented diverse economic reforms and plans (including, but not limited to, the 2020 Development Plan and the Integrated Rural Development Projects), integrated with the global economy to stimulate growth, improved the business environment and increased investment in education and healthcare. The integration with the global economy in the 1990s helped attract foreign investment in Tunisia. Additionally, the Tunisian government has focused on investing in infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade both domestically and internationally. Among others, the country has fostered innovation and entrepreneurship through policies that support small businesses and start-ups to help drive sustainable development.
But there are policy based and other loopholes in the steps taken to address development challenges in Tunisia, leading to their limited outcomes. The lack of implementation of development initiatives including the SDGs and limited financial resources to implement development initiatives are crucial limitations. Additionally, a lack of effective coordination among government agencies, a shortage of skilled workforce in key sectors and inadequacy in the government steps to address bureaucratic complexity and corruption within institutions hinder progress in achieving sustainable economic growth and social development goals in the country. Among others, government efforts are also less in addressing the root causes of political instability and the concerns of political and civil rights.
Effective steps are crucial to address diverse development barriers in Tunisia. Implementing development plans and making and implementing targeted policies, along with increased investment in human capital, can promote economic growth and foster social development. Emphasis definitely needs to be given to addressing barriers to private sector growth, enhancing infrastructure to attract foreign investment, addressing high unemployment rates and addressing regional disparities in development. But Tunisia also needs to foster innovation and promote entrepreneurship through government support and incentives that can drive economic growth and social development. Increased cooperation of development partners may help address the development challenges of Tunisia successfully.
But addressing political stability and the lack of accountability is also vital. For this, implementing comprehensive reforms in government institutions, promoting transparency and accountability and strengthening the rule of law are crucial. Additionally, fostering a culture of civic engagement and empowering civil society organizations can help hold officials accountable and promote good governance — needed for development in Tunisia. The government also needs to provide media freedom in Tunisia. Among others, the concerns of migrants need to be addressed.
