CJD Talks 2024: Unlocking the Potential of Tunisian Expatriates
Transforming Tunisian Expatriates into a Driving Force for Investment and Exports
The CJD Talks 2024 recently welcomed Sami Ayari, founder of Reconnectt and co-founder of the Tunisian AI Society, for its second podcast dedicated to the crucial theme of "How to transform Tunisian expatriates into a driving force for investment and exports in Tunisia." During this inspiring discussion, Ayari shared his reflections on the need to mobilize the Tunisian diaspora, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that this community faces.
A United but Overlooked Tunisian Community
Ayari expressed his gratitude to the Tunisian state for allowing him to study abroad through a scholarship. Having lived abroad for many years, he has closely observed the dynamics of Tunisian communities abroad. Unlike other nationalities, Tunisian expatriates form a particularly united community, driven by a deep desire to improve their living conditions, support their families back in Tunisia, and invest in their country of origin. He noted that the 12 billion dinars transferred each year by Tunisian expatriates (TRE) are mainly invested in real estate or sent to support their loved ones. However, this significant financial contribution remains limited by a lack of visibility and targeted communication from the Tunisian authorities. Ayari emphasized the urgent need for a clear and ambitious roadmap to better frame and stimulate the engagement of TRE.
Bridging the Technological Gap and Restoring Trust
One of the major challenges faced by TRE is the growing gap between the technological standards they are accustomed to abroad and those they encounter in Tunisia. Digitalization, although underway, still lags behind the expectations of these Tunisian expatriates. Ayari stressed the importance of modernizing infrastructure and reforming paralyzing laws to create a more favorable environment for their return. He also mentioned the growing risk of TRE being victims of discriminatory policies in their host countries, particularly with the rise of far-right movements in Europe. This situation reinforces the urgency of creating an attractive framework in Tunisia, capable of convincing TRE to return and invest in their native country. According to him, it is imperative to deliver messages of hope and confidence to encourage these talents to return.
Technology and Innovation at the Heart of the Re-engagement Strategy
Ayari also addressed the key role that the diaspora can play in Tunisia's technological development. The artificial intelligence (AI) dynamic is expanding, but the lack of resources hinders local talents, who are often forced to expatriate to pursue their ambitions. Ayari advocates for public-private partnerships, where the state could invest in private laboratories to develop new technologies and retain the best talents in Tunisia. He expressed his concerns about the "brain drain" that weakens Tunisia, estimating that this phenomenon must be stopped by a policy of support and valorization of local skills. The creation of state-guaranteed investment funds in tech is one of the proposed solutions to encourage TRE to return and contribute to the country's technological transformation.
A Call to Action for a Common Future
In conclusion, Mr. Ayari launched a call to action to the Tunisian diaspora, inviting them to seize the opportunities currently available to strengthen their engagement with Tunisia. He also exhorted the state to play a central role in creating a conducive environment, based on trust, to welcome these talents and their investments. The objective is clear: to build a prosperous future by leveraging the skills and expertise of Tunisians, both residents and expatriates, while developing modern and inclusive infrastructure that responds to the challenges of the 21st century.
