The Third CJD Talks 2024 Podcast: Transforming Tunisian Expatriates into a Driving Force for Investment and Exports
A Strategic Partnership for Tunisia
The third CJD Talks 2024 podcast recently welcomed Nadia Sehnaoui Boulifa, program manager of the Swiss-funded Perspectives program, to discuss a crucial topic: "How to transform Tunisian expatriates into a driving force for investment and exports in Tunisia?"
Understanding the Tunisian Diaspora: A Revealing Survey
An internal study conducted in 2021 aimed to better understand Tunisian expatriates (TRE): their geographical distribution, skill levels, expectations from Tunisia, and interest in the country. The results revealed a dispersed Tunisian diaspora across the American continent to Asia, with a significant concentration in countries like France, which is home to four generations of Tunisians.
Among the respondents, high-level profiles stood out: 43% were engineers, 19% held doctorates, 27% had master's degrees, 8% had bachelor's degrees, and 3% came from the medical sector. In terms of sectors, 17% worked in economy and finance, 15% in marketing, management, and commerce, and 3% in law and political science. These figures testify to the high competence of the Tunisian diaspora.
A Strong Emotional Connection with Tunisia
The study also revealed a strong emotional attachment of TRE to their country of origin. The majority of respondents visit Tunisia more than three times a year. Despite a often negative perception of the social situation in Tunisia, the diaspora remains willing to maintain a connection and contribute to the country's development. When asked about their desire to participate in projects in Tunisia, 11% of TRE were willing to offer their skills to public institutions, 9% wanted to make their international networks available to Tunisian businesses, and 7% were interested in mentoring. Moreover, 9% planned to create businesses, and 14% wanted to engage in social and humanitarian projects.
Challenges and Opportunities for Investment in Tunisia
Despite this willingness to engage, several obstacles persist for TRE: bureaucracy, administrative hurdles, currency laws, and cultural and technological gaps. This is why Swisscontact highlights success stories to inspire the diaspora and show that investing in Tunisia is possible and fruitful.
The Perspectives program also works with initiatives like WikiStartup to organize informative webinars for TRE interested in investing in Tunisia. The preferred sectors for the diaspora are technology, sustainable development, agriculture, and the valorization of Tunisian artisanal and cultural heritage.
Mobilizing TRE: A Structured Action Plan
To maximize the impact of the diaspora, Nadia Sehnaoui Boulifa emphasizes the importance of a structured organization. Action requires a plan, organization, and rigorous follow-up. The priority should be given to the economy, as Tunisia is perceived as an economically weak country, but it is rich in talent and opportunities.
TRE can provide valuable support through mentoring, market opening, and direct investment. Many of them are business angels abroad, ready to invest in projects in Tunisia. Collaborations with foreign universities, particularly in the framework of doctoral supervision, are also being developed.
The Tunisia Global Forum: A Bridge between the Diaspora and Tunisia
On September 28th in Geneva, the Tunisia Global Forum, an initiative that builds on the "World Alliance for Tunisian Talent" program, will honor art and culture. This event will bring together Swiss art schools and Tunisian artists, offering an international showcase for Tunisian talents. In the face of international challenges, particularly those related to racism and xenophobia, Sehnaoui Boulifa stresses the importance of being prepared. The Tunisian diaspora, thanks to its athletes, artists, researchers, and entrepreneurs, continues to shine a positive light on Tunisia's image worldwide.
