Tunisia Lags Behind in Cryptocurrency Adoption
Tunisia is slow to position itself among countries in the MENA region that are recording significant numbers in the cryptocurrency sector. According to Samir Ksibi, General Manager of kickoff.tn Crowdfunding, a company specializing in alternative finance in Tunisia, technology is evolving rapidly, and several innovations, such as stablecoins or digital assets backed by real assets, offer considerable opportunities. "Digital assets use technology to designate a specific asset... Today, we're talking about tokens that allow us to prove ownership of a property," he explains.
A Still Unclear Legal Framework
For the specialist, Tunisia's delay is mainly due to the lack of a clear legal framework. He emphasizes that it's not enough to create laws, but they must be adapted to the nature of these technologies. "We need a bit of audacity... to put into practice this way of using cryptocurrencies," he stresses. According to him, an appropriate legal framework would not only secure transactions but also attract investors and specialized companies.
Ksibi recalls that cryptocurrency technology is decentralized, which complicates the role of central banks. However, international examples show that smart regulations can coexist with this freedom. "The Americans have recognized cryptocurrency, but some banks allow a switch from crypto to dollars... in Europe, you can use cryptocurrency for banking transactions, but you have to declare the profits to the state," he specifies.
Raising Awareness and Opportunities for the Future
Beyond legislation, awareness and training appear to be essential levers. "What we need to do is let certain experiments happen, observe how they work, and then build a suitable law," recommends the General Manager of kickoff.tn. According to him, Tunisian companies could thus benefit from faster and safer access to international markets, bypassing certain traditional financial barriers.
Samir Ksibi notes that, despite the obstacles, a parallel sector already exists in the country. Some startups and companies use cryptocurrency as a means of payment, or even as a way to valorize their applications, particularly by offering their own tokens, a model that valorizes usage and real demand. "The more activity develops new services, the more the value of the token increases... it's a solution to improve the payment process," he indicates.
A Positive Outlook
Finally, the specialist remains optimistic about the possibility of catching up with Tunisia's delay. "It's not too late. We can catch up," he assures, citing the example of Gulf countries or certain sub-Saharan states that have already successfully integrated this technology. For Ksibi, Tunisia has the necessary skills, but it lacks the political will and strategic vision to fully exploit the potential of cryptocurrencies.
