The 5G Era Takes Off in Tunisia, While the World Looks Ahead to 6G
As Tunisia takes a significant step forward in deploying 5G, hailed as a lever for economic and social transformation, the world is already turning its attention to 6G, whose contours are taking shape amidst geopolitical rivalries and technological races. Tunisian operators, backed by a national strategy, launched 5G in February 2025, promising ultra-fast connectivity, reduced latency, and innovative applications for education, entrepreneurship, and smart services. Although recent, this deployment is part of a broader effort to modernize the economy and reduce the digital divide, despite the remaining challenges of accessibility and coverage.
Global 6G Ambitions
On a global scale, a coalition of ten countries (including France, the United States, and Japan) has already defined six guiding principles for 6G. These principles aim to structure international governance around open, secure, and interoperable networks, integrating consensual technical standards and sustainability criteria. Japan, a pioneer in this field, has achieved speeds of 100 gigabits per second in tests, announcing a 6G that is ten times faster than 5G.
Contrasting Realities
However, this race to the future contrasts with the current realities of countries like Nigeria, where 5G is struggling to take hold (2.46% of subscribers in 2024), hindered by high costs and inadequate infrastructure. Despite this, Abuja is already aiming for 6G, seeking to generate $1 billion in revenue by 2030. Tunisia, on the other hand, is betting on 5G to consolidate its status as a regional digital player, while keeping an eye on global dynamics. As developed countries anticipate 6G to maintain their leadership, transitioning nations like Tunisia are leveraging the potential of 5G to address immediate needs, highlighting a gap between the priorities of different countries.
