Digital4Reforms - Digitalization for sustainable development in Tunisia (Digital Centre)

The project, implemented in partnership between ITU and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aimed to expedite digital transformation in Tunisia by enhancing the skills of civil servants. The overarching objective was to bolster government initiatives in two strategic domains: digital capacity development and infrastructure enhancement. The project activities were designed to align with Tunisia's digital transformation objectives, contributing to the emergence of a workforce proficient in navigating the complexities of the digital era.

The project successfully enrolled 217 Tunisian civil servants in ITU Academy courses, exceeding the initial target of 200 participants. The courses covered a broad range of topics relevant to digital transformation, including broadband mapping, service quality regulation, spectrum management, cybersecurity strategy development, smart cities, ICT accessibility, e-waste management, digital entrepreneurship, child online protection, inclusive digital communication, innovation ecosystems, and 5G essentials. Both free and paid courses were made available through the ITU Academy platform.

However, the project faced implementation challenges that resulted in a lower-than-expected expenditure rate of 46 per cent. The shortage of time between the signing of the addendum (which extended the project to March 2024 and reduced the budget) and the project closure affected the level of implementation. The original project scope did not adequately meet the needs of the beneficiary administration, prompting a reassessment and adjustment of the project scope through the addendum.

The project had a remaining balance of EUR 61,443 from GIZ funds. Key lessons highlighted the importance of prioritizing active engagement of all stakeholders, with particular emphasis on involving the beneficiary administration in the project drafting process from the outset. A Digital Learning Academy (DLA) launch event was organized to promote the platform and the available training opportunities among Tunisian civil servants.

The project was implemented under Agreement No. 81279762 between ITU and GIZ, with a total agreed budget of EUR 113,771.45. The project ran from December 2021 to March 2024, and its impact was measured through the empowerment of civil servants with digital skills to fuel the country's broader digital transformation agenda.