Artificial intelligence in Tunisia individual successes and missed opportunities
Artificial intelligence in Tunisia, a country known for its rich history and vibrant culture, has seen both individual successes and missed opportunities in various aspects of its development. Let’s explore some of these successes and areas where opportunities may have been missed.
Artificial intelligence in Tunisia
The reality of artificial intelligence in Tunisia is almost identical to two amazing and unique stories: the first is of Tunisian player Anas Jabeur, whose star shone in the game of tennis. She comes from a small village on the Tunisian coast, lacking any court qualified to compete locally in this game.
World champion in swimming
As for the second story, it is the story of the world champion in swimming, the young man in his twenties, Ayoub Al-Hafnawi, who recently snatched two gold medals in the World Swimming Championships in Japan, where the Tunisian flag flew high in celebration of a hero who came from afar, from a country where most swimming pools were closed for maintenance, with the exception of two swimming pools that hardly attract amateurs. This sport.
Remarkable Tunisian successes
The matter is no different in the field of artificial intelligence, as recording remarkable Tunisian successes in this promising sector does not mean the existence of public policies supporting it. There is no clearer evidence of this than the recent statements of Tunisian President Kais Saied on the occasion of Science Day, in which he described artificial intelligence as an imminent danger and an “assassination of human intelligence,” warning of the dangers it threatens, as he put it, to all of humanity.
Fourth Industrial Revolution Artificial intelligence in Tunisia
Saeed’s statements not only ended the hopes of many for rapid involvement in the path of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but also created, for the first time, a possible role for the existing authorities in issuing legislation to ban and oppose modern technologies, stopping the wheel of progress in the use of artificial intelligence technologies, after it had turned, according to Saeed, into something resembling… The conspiracy, although several experiences and success stories were honored during his reign in a country that is attractive to young energies.
Startup company
The most important of these successes is definitely the success of the startup company “Instadib”, which specializes in designing artificial intelligence systems. The company was founded by Tunisian engineers Karim Beqir and Zahra Slim in 2014 with a capital estimated at 5,000 dinars (about 1,600 dollars upon founding) and two computers. Then it quickly became among the top 100 global companies in this field, and even contributed with Pfizer to research into anti-vaccines. For Covid-19 virus.
A few years later, specifically at the beginning of January 2023, entrepreneurs Baqir and Salim announced that the German company “BioNTech” had acquired their company for 410 million euros. This German giant specializes in the field of biotechnology to find a vaccine against cancer.
Recording remarkable Tunisian youth successes in this promising sector does not mean that there are public policies that support it. This is no clearer than the recent statements of Tunisian President Kais Saied on the occasion of Science Day, in which he described artificial intelligence as an imminent danger and an “assassination of human intelligence.”
1.3 billion dinars
The value of the deal amounted to 1.3 billion dinars, which is approximately two and a half times the budgets of the Presidency of the Republic (191 million dinars, about 62 million dollars) and the Prime Minister’s Office (307.7 million dinars, about 100 million dollars) for the year 2023, which is equivalent to half the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Higher education (2.2 billion dinars, about 710 million dollars) and half of the total value of the national subscription (an internal loan of 2.8 billion dinars, about 910 million dollars) is open to companies, businessmen, and citizens, and is directed to finance the state budget for the current year. The value of the deal also exceeds the net income of the International Arab Bank of Tunisia, which is the largest bank in Tunisia (1.26 billion dinars in 2022, about 410 million dollars).
This huge and record deal constituted a real event in the country, as it represented a discovery of the world of artificial intelligence and its promising prospects, in addition to what resembled an uprising among entrepreneurs whose projects faltered due to a shackled legislative arsenal. However, Tunisia has not yet ratified its national strategy for artificial intelligence, despite the fact that years have passed since the announcement of the start of its formulation. Authentication was disrupted, reforms were absent, and in the meantime, Tunisia lost three places in the global index for artificial intelligence, according to the Tortoise Media website (56th in July 2023 and 53rd in 2020).
This index monitors developments related to artificial intelligence in 62 countries, relying on 143 metrics subdivided from seven criteria that include talent, infrastructure strength, operating climate, scientific research and development, government strategy, and trade.
Youth success…and government deficit
The Tunisian state registered its presence on this list in 2020, occupying 53rd place thanks to a boom that the country witnessed during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in research and innovations in the field of using artificial intelligence, which opened the horizons of major changes in light of the success of the government’s “Challenge” initiative at the time. The numbers reflect this success, as the turnover of startup companies specializing in artificial intelligence increased from 69 million dinars (about 22 million dollars) in 2018 to 719 million dinars (about 233 million dollars) in 2020. The number of startup companies in Tunisia reached 904 companies (June/ June 2023) while it did not exceed 10 companies in 2018.
Artificial intelligence in Tunisia
But Tunisia remained unable to properly utilize the enormous potential provided by the so-called knowledge economy and modern technologies, despite the localization stage in the field of artificial intelligence, which caused hundreds of promising startup companies to leave the country in search of an investment climate that guarantees more important incentives and fewer complications, especially bureaucracy.
And restrictive laws, while major complexes, institutions and banks have become involved in using artificial intelligence techniques and its accelerating coordinates.
This situation has become frightening and alarming, in the face of the continuing migration of emerging and innovative companies, and their transformation into added value that benefits foreign parties with more attractive and economic and financial returns.
Ezzedine Saidan
Economist Ezzedine Saidan, who is also the head of a prestigious research center and closely acquainted with the experiences of a number of entrepreneurs and systems and software developers, says, “The survival of a startup company in Tunisia under the current laws, especially the exchange law, simply means its death.”
Central hub
On the other hand, the official discourse indicates exactly the opposite. At the end of last year, the Director General of the Safe and Security Fund, Najia Gharbi, confirmed that Tunisia aims to be a “central hub” for modern and innovative technologies, and estimated that achieving this strategic goal is possible, especially with the availability of funds and the economic environment. In this context, she revealed the collection of all financing mechanisms directed to emerging and innovative companies (Startup), in one destination, which is “Smart Capital,” which brings together investment funds, in addition to the “FlyWheel” program, which is a financing program through donations granted to institutions. Emerging.
Tunisia remained unable to properly utilize the enormous potential offered by the knowledge economy and modern technologies, despite the localization phase in the field of artificial intelligence, which caused hundreds of promising startup companies to leave the country.
$75 million
She revealed that the funding made available to owners of innovative projects using artificial intelligence techniques is distributed between $75 million from the World Bank and the German Development Bank (KfW), and funding from the European Union with appropriations amounting to $35 million.
She also indicated that the “Anava” Fund of Funds seeks to mobilize 200 million euros, which will be added to 125 million dinars (about 40.5 million dollars) that she said is available in the specialized financing fund “InnovaTech” for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises.
This reflects the nature of the debates surrounding artificial intelligence in Tunisia. If the discussion in the world revolves around the continuous updates of the “GPT Chat” program. Regarding its regulatory rules from two different points of view,
Artificial intelligence in Tunisia
Between those who believe that it will contribute to improving our lives in a tremendous way and those who believe that it may destroy us all, the debate in Tunisia between experts, academics and actors was divided during a scientific symposium organized some time ago by the House of Wisdom Foundation (a non-governmental public institution). Administrative) between those who refuse absolute submission to the strategic planning of official and governmental systems, adhering to the importance of individual and private initiatives, versus those who consider that strategic planning for investment in artificial intelligence is inevitable, especially with the multiplicity and overlap of the factors that make up it, educational, training, and financial, in addition to the infrastructure of laboratories. And research centers, which means the importance of political will and the value of economic potential.
He expressed to his surprise that discussions on the national strategy for artificial intelligence were confined to five ministries, stressing the need to quickly open up to a broad societal discussion.
AND explained this by saying that artificial intelligence is a multi-dimensional issue in which economic, educational, social and legal intertwine, and that it is not only related to policy-making.
He warned of the repercussions of the lack of awareness of the effects of this fourth industrial revolution on individuals and society, calling for collective thinking to develop regulatory and strategic frameworks based on a vision for the Tunisia of tomorrow and any artificial intelligence for economic and social development.
Startup companies
He also pointed out the large gap between the rapid developments on the one hand, and the country’s laws on the other hand, which he said have become one of the most important obstacles to the growth of startup companies, and that they confuse the process of engaging in the developed economy, considering that the exchange law represents a crime against the country.
He recalled that startup companies sell abroad without being able to dispose of their revenues due to the exchange law, stressing that he had six working sessions with the Governor of the Central Bank, Marwan Al-Abbasi, during Ben Youssef’s tenure in preparing the digital transformation strategy, Tunisia 2030, concluding that this The sessions revealed to him the existence of pressure, which he described as significant, with the aim of preventing emerging companies from benefiting from the potential of changing the economy, behind which stand “cartels” (major economic complexes) that cling to their influence, according to his estimates.
Ben Youssef, who spoke after an experience from within the system, stressed that the administration’s bodies bear the responsibility, for their part, of disrupting involvement in what he called the digital tsunami. It is a delay that he said will leave the country behind by about 30 to 40 years if the situation remains as it is, indicating that engaging in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence systems is an inevitable issue, and that Tunisia stands before two options:
either advance with Tunisian capabilities by encouraging it and empowering it with development tools, or catch up. Lately, which puts the country in the position of having to rely “forcibly” on software and systems from abroad, and what is most dangerous is that this will be accompanied by the absence of any vision and strategy.
Two pioneering experiments
Two experiences of two young Tunisians reveal two different points of view on the reality of artificial intelligence in Tunisia. The first young man is Razi Al-Milani, president and general manager of one of the most important companies specialized in drug distribution, and a member of the Young Leaders Center. The second experience is that of Ziad Taber, owner of a start-up company, civil society activist, and university professor.
Generative artificial intelligence
Al-Milani said in an interview that his experience with generative artificial intelligence radically changed the work climate in his organization and also in the associations in which he is active. In the first stage, he became accustomed to “GPT chat.” Just out of curiosity, it turned into a program that the company benefited from over time. He confirmed that he uses it for a range of tasks ranging from writing emails and posts on social media, developing marketing and trade strategies, preparing programs and agendas, all the way to analyzing data and many other things that have no limits, he said.
Chat GBT
In a related context, Al-Milani noted that the use of generative artificial intelligence led to a significant increase in the company’s productivity, citing as an example that preparing a marketing strategy used to take a full month, and that thanks to “Chat GBT.” It does not exceed one hour, stressing that this made it possible not only to save time significantly, but also to enhance the motivation and participation of the organization’s work team.
As for the challenges of integrating these technologies into companies, Al-Milani explained that they relate, for example, to adapting the general structure of the company, which is likely to witness major changes to what is known and traditional, from the general manager, the financial director, and the commercial director, for example.
He pointed out that the institution will discover its new structure in practice, and that it may even end up abolishing the position of general manager, based on the experience of a Chinese company that employs more than 8,000 employees and workers, in which artificial intelligence has become the general manager, who is available 24 hours a day. He was open to all employees to answer their questions and evaluate their work, describing the experience as successful according to the numbers.
Difficulties and obstacles due to the economic and administrative climate for continuing business in Tunisia, or for global competition, and this is what prompted entrepreneurs to abandon their projects, such as one of the first to obtain the emerging enterprise label, who turned to investing in a “Shawarma Restaurant.”
Chinese experience
This Chinese experience has become inspiring for Al-Milani, stressing that his ambition today is for artificial intelligence to become the one that runs his organization, which he said that its workers responded to artificial intelligence techniques, ruling out in principle that the integration of these technologies would lead to the dismissal of employees or a reduction in their number, indicating that the result is yet to come. 8 months have passed since using “GPT Chat.” It shows an amazing improvement in performance, and a rapid response to the potential that generative artificial intelligence provides for development within the organization.
From the hat of a “businessman” who is familiar with his surroundings, Al-Milani said that the indicators in numbers regarding interaction with technological developments are shocking, revealing that 80 percent of economic actors, specialists, academics and researchers, who are sought by major institutions, are in a state of rejection and skepticism about the “ChatGB” program. T.”, as if he was threatening their presence, considering that this would mean losing the interview even before it began.
He pointed out that the remaining 20 percent of them started using artificial intelligence, and that 15 percent of them use it in a simple way without any curiosity or further discovery and depth, and that this group is still in the process of using the free version of “ChatGB.” .t.”. He indicated that the rest (5 percent) are in the process of benefiting from advanced software for generative artificial intelligence, which he said provides great opportunities.
The investment climate is disastrous
As for Ziad Tabar’s experience, it is far from Al-Milani’s optimism. According to him, the laws and bank transactions affected the growth of startup companies to the point of threatening their collapse, strongly criticizing the official discourse that talks about incentives and support, especially after the issuance of the law related to startup companies. In this regard, Tabar told that the investment climate is disastrous and that the authorities are selling illusions to entrepreneurs, and that success in Tunisia has become considered an exception.
He revealed the extent of the lack of awareness of the repercussions of the laws that limit the movement of funds and the conditional bank commissions imposed on any transfers from abroad on the business climate. He gave, for example, a young Tunisian man who provided a simple service worth about $100, and received 250 dinars ($81) in his account after he imposed…
The bank owes a commission of 49 dinars ($19), and he considered that this small example reveals the ills of the banking and legislative system and the absence of any incentive for groups he described as important and active in their companies and in companies abroad, the number of which was estimated at 200,000 companies.
Entrepreneurs are more aware than politicians
The expert in digitization and artificial intelligence and university professor, Adel Bin Youssef, for his part, believed that economic entrepreneurs are more aware than decision-makers and politicians of the importance of artificial intelligence as an added value to their companies. Ben Youssef, who participated in drafting a reference document on artificial intelligence within the team of the Center for Strategic Studies (an institution affiliated with the Presidency of the Republic), pointed out that political instability affected the country’s path to benefit from the developments provided by artificial intelligence systems.
Moreover, Taber confirmed that a number of start-up company owners found difficulties and obstacles due to the economic and administrative climate to continue activity in Tunisia or to compete globally, and that this led some of them to abandon their projects, such as one of the first to obtain the start-up enterprise label, who turned to investing in a “restaurant.” Shawarma, although he was the first to establish a start-up technology company after Parliament approved the first legal framework directed exclusively at innovative entrepreneurship in April 2018, accompanied by promises of tax and financial incentives.
Efficiency, migration and lost opportunities
Tunisia is full of qualitative competencies in the world of modern technologies, and history states that Tunisian Farouk Kammoun is considered among the founders of the Internet alphabets in the world. His career, which became inspiring in Tunisia for generations, began with him obtaining a scholarship in 1970 to study in France, which at that time coincided with the beginning of teaching computer science, and from France to the University of California, where he obtained a master’s degree and then a doctorate under the supervision of Professor Leonard Kleinrock, one of the founding fathers of the ARPANET network.
Hierarchical routing protocols
It later became the Internet. Engineer Kammoun developed hierarchical routing protocols for large networks with his professor, and quickly became a professor and supervisor for decades (40 years) of supervising and teaching in the major engineering colleges in Tunisia. He leads pioneering research, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, which constituted a qualitative breakthrough in solving national dilemmas in several fields. Similar to agriculture and education, it became established as an effective and successful approach, with which traditions of partnership were formed between universities and research centers on the one hand, and state institutions and structures on the other hand.
This partnership emerged remarkably in the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, as Tunisians and the world discovered through it innovations in which artificial intelligence was used, including robots used by the Ministry of Interior to track violators of comprehensive quarantine procedures. Public health agencies also used Tunisian-made robots to sort those suspected of being infected with the Covid-19 virus, and then benefited from manufacturing artificial respirators using 3D printing at the hands of engineers and researchers, with the participation of doctors.
Partnership between state institutions and universities
With the widespread debate about the irregular migration crisis, engineer Hafez Al-Arabi Yahmadi wondered why the partnership between state institutions and universities had been disrupted, recalling that his private research project for graduation as a senior engineer was a project that relied on artificial intelligence to follow and monitor the movement of locusts from south of the Sahara to Tunisia.
He stated that it was a pioneering project between experts from the Ministries of Agriculture and Defense under the management of the Regional Institute for Media and Communication Sciences and the National Unit for Media Sciences under the supervision of Professor Farouk Kammoun, and that this project, in which artificial intelligence was used, was drawn up to anticipate possible paths of movements on the Tunisian map in a dynamic and updated way to follow. Possible movements of locusts and the possibility of waiting and early preparation to direct units and aircraft of the Ministry of Defense to confront and eliminate this scourge before it destroys the Tunisian fields and farms that were threatened.
Tunisian mind
This project dates back to the end of the nineties of the last century, and its owner says that the purpose of returning to some of the details is to remind of such successes that the country recorded thanks to the Tunisian mind, which he said was working and believing in technologies and the partnership between the university and state institutions and the integration of youth to innovate purely Tunisian solutions, calling To rely on the Tunisian mind and competence to design smart systems that collect and process data and guide devices to protect our borders away from importing traditional templates and advanced technological systems from abroad.
However, it seems that relying on abroad has become a choice for Tunisia’s rulers, or perhaps an imposed choice governed by the coercive conditions of foreign donations.
House of Wisdom Foundation
Months ago, Professor Khaled Ghadira, who is presented by the House of Wisdom Foundation as the godfather of artificial intelligence in Tunisia, denounced the assignment of foreigners to prepare the national strategy for artificial intelligence with funding from a German organization.
He also expressed his surprise that Tunisian expertise and competencies were invited to participate in formulating this strategy, led by four ministries as mere observers.
It is known that Tunisia occupies advanced ranks in the number of engineers graduating annually who are increasingly being recruited abroad (nearly 40,000 engineers have left Tunisia since 2015), and the also striking information revealed by Adel Ben Youssef is that the Kingdom of Morocco assigned him to be one of the supervisors. To develop its artificial intelligence strategy.
However, pressure continues from civil society (associations specialized in artificial intelligence) and from actors, specialists, academics and researchers to accelerate steps, remove obstacles, put funding in training and research, and change curricula to integrate artificial intelligence.
The National School of Administration organized courses for state employees on the uses of “GPT chat.” Workshops, seminars and courses on modern technologies and systems have also increased in financial and economic circles.
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On the opportunities available with the main players in artificial intelligence worldwide, so that we do not end up losing national sovereignty if we continue to lag behind the hysterical developments witnessed in artificial intelligence technologies and systems.
The “mother of all battles” today in Tunisia in its current reality remains the fears about how to employ artificial intelligence in the most important electoral stage that the country will accept in 2024, which is the presidential elections.
On the desk of the President of the Republic, Kais Saied, is a detailed study on the challenges, stakes and dangers of artificial intelligence prepared by the Institute for Strategic Studies. No one knows yet how it will be dealt with, especially since the 2019 election file has not been opened and not all of its secrets have been revealed, including specifically the role played by algorithms. And social media during the election campaign.
Individual Successes:
1. Democratic Transition:
Tunisia’s successful democratic transition following the 2011 revolution stands as a significant achievement. The country adopted a new constitution, held free and fair elections, and established democratic institutions. This transition served as an inspiration for other countries in the region and showcased Tunisia’s commitment to democratic values.
2. Women’s Rights:
Tunisia has made notable progress in advancing women’s rights. The country has implemented laws to promote gender equality, including the elimination of discriminatory practices and the protection of women’s rights in areas such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Tunisian women have also excelled in various fields, including politics, law, and entrepreneurship, contributing to the country’s development.
Women’s rights in Tunisia have seen significant advancements compared to many other countries in the region. The country has implemented legal reforms and initiatives to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights.
1. Legal Reforms:
Tunisia has enacted several laws to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights. The Personal Status Code, introduced in 1956, granted women rights in areas such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Subsequent reforms have further strengthened women’s rights, including the elimination of discriminatory practices and the criminalization of violence against women.
2. Women in Politics:
Tunisia has made notable progress in promoting women’s political participation. The country has implemented gender quotas, ensuring a minimum representation of women in elected bodies. As a result, Tunisian women have achieved significant political representation, with women holding around 47% of seats in the parliament as of 2021.
3. Education and Employment:
Tunisia has prioritized education for girls and women, resulting in increased literacy rates and educational attainment. Women have made significant strides in pursuing higher education and entering various professional fields. The government has also implemented policies to promote women’s employment and address gender-based wage disparities.
4. Combatting Violence Against Women:
Tunisia has taken steps to address violence against women. The country has criminalized domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of gender-based violence. Support services, such as shelters and helplines, have been established to assist survivors of violence.
5. Women’s Organizations and Activism:
Tunisia has a vibrant civil society, including women’s organizations and activists advocating for women’s rights. These organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for policy changes to further advance women’s rights.
While Tunisia has made significant progress in women’s rights, challenges remain. Implementation and enforcement of laws and policies, as well as changing societal attitudes and norms, are ongoing efforts. Addressing issues such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and women’s representation in leadership positions are areas that require continued attention and action.
Overall, Tunisia’s commitment to women’s rights and gender equality has positioned it as a regional leader in this regard. The advancements made in women’s rights have not only improved the lives of Tunisian women but have also served as an inspiration for other countries in the region. Continued efforts and collaboration between government, civil society, and international partners are essential to further advance women’s rights and achieve true gender equality in Tunisia.
3. Education:
Tunisia has prioritized education and achieved significant improvements in literacy rates and access to education. The country has invested in expanding educational infrastructure, increasing enrollment rates, and enhancing the quality of education. Tunisian students have achieved commendable results in international assessments, reflecting the positive impact of these efforts.
Missed Opportunities:
1. Economic Development: Despite some progress, Tunisia has faced challenges in achieving sustained economic development. High unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, have remained a persistent issue. While efforts have been made to attract foreign investment and promote entrepreneurship, more comprehensive strategies are needed to address structural issues and create sustainable job opportunities.
2. Regional Disparities:
Tunisia has experienced regional disparities in terms of development and access to resources. The coastal areas, particularly the capital city of Tunis, have seen more significant progress compared to the interior regions. Addressing these disparities and ensuring equitable development across the country remains a challenge that requires targeted policies and investments.
3. Corruption and Governance:
Tunisia has struggled with corruption and governance issues, which have hindered its progress. Despite efforts to combat corruption, there is a need for stronger enforcement, transparency, and accountability mechanisms. Strengthening governance institutions and promoting a culture of integrity are crucial for sustainable development and attracting investments.
4. Youth Engagement:
While Tunisia’s youth played a pivotal role in the 2011 revolution, their full potential has not been fully harnessed. Greater efforts are needed to engage and empower young people, providing them with opportunities for meaningful participation in decision-making processes, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Investing in youth development is essential for Tunisia’s future prosperity.
Conclusion:
Tunisia has achieved significant individual successes, particularly in its democratic transition, women’s rights, and education. However, there have also been missed opportunities, such as addressing economic challenges, regional disparities, corruption, and youth engagement. Recognizing these areas for improvement and implementing targeted strategies can help Tunisia unlock its full potential and build a more prosperous and inclusive society. With continued efforts and a focus on sustainable development, Tunisia can overcome these challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
I’m Hassan Saeed, a Clinical Psychology graduate deeply engaged in the realms of WordPress, blogging, and technology. I enjoy merging my psychological background with the digital landscape. Let’s connect and explore these exciting intersections!
