International Telecommunication Union Releases Latest IDI Report
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has published its latest report on the ICT Development Index (IDI): Tunisia ranks 6th in Africa, with a score of 80.1 points, significantly above the continental average of 59 points.
Mobile Carries the Score, but Cost Holds it Back
The goal of this ranking is to determine whether it is possible to connect to the internet without too many constraints anywhere in the world: at a reasonable cost, with a stable connection, and reliable access. It is based on ten indicators, divided into two main categories: basic access on one hand, and the actual quality of the connection on the other. In terms of infrastructure, Tunisia checks almost all the boxes: 99% of the population is covered by at least one 3G network, and nine out of ten Tunisians own a mobile phone. However, Tunisia's weakness lies elsewhere, according to the ITU: a mobile package combining data and voice costs 98.6% of the national gross income per capita, equivalent to almost a month's average income. This weight hinders digital inclusion, despite a solid infrastructure.
Morocco Leads, Angola Trails Behind
In the African ranking, Morocco dominates with 89.2 points, driven by its high-speed coverage and investments in infrastructure. Just behind is the island of Mauritius with 89.1 points, followed by Algeria (87.8) and South Africa (86.4). Tunisia, on the other hand, surpasses Cape Verde (79.8), Egypt (79.6), Eswatini (78.9), and Botswana (77.7). At the bottom of the pack, Angola brings up the rear with 55.4 points, hindered by limited access to infrastructure and significant regional disparities. On a global scale, Saudi Arabia tops the list with 99.2 points, ahead of Finland, Estonia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
A Signal for Telecom Investors
This ranking outlines a map of investment priorities. Tunisia's network coverage is already mature; it's the affordability that needs to be addressed. For operators and digital players, the gap between infrastructure and purchasing power represents real opportunities: low-cost offers, terminal financing models, and data partnerships. The goal is to attract capital to a still under-exploited segment of the Tunisian market.
