03 April 2023

The Tunisian government plans to connect 3,307 schools to the high-speed internet network with fibre optics.

The project to connect schools is spread over a period of 18 months and targets schools in different regions of the country. With a total cost of 132 million dinars, it will be implemented with the financial support of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the African Development Bank (ADB).

This initiative is part of the actions undertaken by the Tunisian government to accelerate its digital transformation. His announcement comes a few weeks after the launch of the second phase of the ‘coverage of white areas’ project. This project ultimately aims for universal telecom coverage in the country. Its first phase was completed in April 2022. This connected 94 ‘white zones’ spread over 15 governorates, including 164 schools and 59 basic health centres.

The initiative also falls within the framework of the education sector reform project in Tunisia, according to Mohamed Boughdiri, minister of education. His ministry plans to digitize all schools in partnership with the Ministry of Communication Technologies.

Connecting schools to high-speed Internet should help improve the education provided to approximately 1.5 million students in secondary schools, colleges, and high schools.

“This project will also serve to achieve economic and social development, promote private initiative and encourage investment in the knowledge economy throughout the country,” said Samir Saïed, minister of economy and planning.