Harnessing AI to Drive Energy Solutions and Prosperity in Tunisia
Nizar Yaiche, former Minister of Finance, emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize energy solutions and create wealth for Tunisia during his keynote speech at the Mediterranean AI Forum in Tunis. According to Yaiche, the country has unique advantages to combine local talent, AI, and clean energy to strengthen its sovereignty and stimulate innovation.
Redefining the Technological Ecosystem
Yaiche highlighted several major trends that are redefining the technological landscape. He mentioned the dramatic reduction in AI response times, now measurable in tens of milliseconds, and the development of small models that can operate on embedded devices or robots without requiring expensive GPUs. "Their cost could fall to around $2,000 to $3,000, and the trend is clear," he specified. He also noted the emergence of massive computing centers, reaching several gigawatts, while emphasizing the importance of solutions to reduce energy consumption.
Mitigating the Risks of AI
Yaiche warned against the risks associated with AI. According to him, governments are exposed to a loss of sovereignty if data is processed abroad, and public opinion can be manipulated through AI. Public administrations risk biased decisions due to insufficient data quality, while companies depend on external providers who may have other agendas. "The more we depend on AI, the more serious these risks can be," he cautioned, also citing threats to human rights, mental health, and youth education.
Regulating AI without Stifling Innovation
Yaiche stressed the need to regulate AI without hindering innovation. He recalled that technological expansion should not come at the expense of families, jobs, or national security and advocated for a collective, Mediterranean approach based on international standards.
Tunisia's Opportunities and Challenges
For Tunisia, Yaiche highlighted the importance of mobilizing local talent, estimating that the country produces 25,000 engineers per year, 60% of whom are women, and has a highly qualified diaspora. However, he warned that these talents risk leaving the country due to a lack of opportunities. The solution lies in a trio: leveraging local skills, developing cutting-edge AI, and finding clean energy solutions, particularly through photovoltaics. "Without energy, we cannot do computing or supercomputing," he insisted.
A Call to Collective Action
Finally, Yaiche called for a collective effort, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between talent, the private sector, administration, and international partners. "If we work together, we can only win," he concluded, affirming that Tunisia has the means to transform its human and natural resources into a sustainable driver of innovation and prosperity for the Mediterranean.
