Experts Discuss Tunisia's Economic Prospects and Challenges
As part of the "Petits Déjeuners de l'économie" series, the Savoirs éco project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with the Programme d'Appui aux Médias en Tunisie (PAMT 2), organized an exchange around the publication "The Tunisian Economy 2025 - Which Paths to New Prosperity?" recently published by GI4T. The event brought together researchers and economic journalists to debate development perspectives based on recent economic indicators.
Human Capital and Unemployment Dynamics in Tunisia
Among the speakers, Islem Gafsi, a lecturer and researcher in economics and quantitative methods, presented an in-depth analysis of human capital substitution and unemployment dynamics in Tunisia. She emphasized the importance of human capital as a major asset for the country, while highlighting the significant challenges faced by higher education graduates.
According to data from the 2023 Employment Survey, the overall unemployment rate stands at 16% in Tunisia. However, this rate varies significantly by gender (13% for men and 20% for women), level of education, and region. Among higher education graduates, unemployment reaches 25%, with one in three female graduates facing unemployment. Among young people aged 15-30, the rate reaches 35%, with notable regional disparities: 12% in Greater Tunis and 38% in the South-East.
The NEET Phenomenon: A Concerning Indicator
The presentation also highlighted the phenomenon of "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), which represents approximately 740,000 individuals in Tunisia, with more than half being women. This phenomenon constitutes a particularly concerning indicator, with an estimated rate of 34% among the young population.
Beyond the Numbers: Individual Profiles and Employability
Beyond the numbers, Islem Gafsi emphasized the importance of considering individual profiles rather than limiting oneself to national averages. She stressed the role of internships in employability, noting that an internship significantly increases the chances of being recruited. Furthermore, certain fields such as engineering schools and professional master's programs have better insertion rates than others, notably licenses.
The Challenges of Brain Drain and Migration
Finally, the expert addressed the challenges related to the migration of graduates, particularly young doctors. She cited recent data indicating that 1,600 out of 1,900 doctors from the latest promotion took an equivalence exam in France, in a logic of departure. This phenomenon, according to her, raises questions about the cost of training and the losses it represents for the Tunisian state.
