The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a US$100 million project to enhance the quality and governance of higher education in Tunisia. The initiative, announced on February 28, 2025, aims to improve students' employability by equipping them with skills and knowledge aligned with labor market demands. This move is part of ongoing reforms intended to modernize university management and strengthen ties with industry.
Tunisia has been working towards aligning its higher education system with the needs of productive sectors to boost graduate employability. Reforms have focused on updating curricula, increasing access to high-demand fields, and fostering connections between universities and employers. Despite these efforts, challenges such as youth unemployment and lengthy transitions into the job market remain due to a private sector struggling to create sufficient high-skilled jobs. Structural issues like skills mismatches and gaps in work-based learning also impact employment prospects.
In light of global trends such as digitalization and climate change, sustained investment in green skills, digital competencies, and health education is crucial for preparing graduates for future economic opportunities. The Strengthening Tertiary Education for Employability, Innovation and Resilience (STEEIR) project addresses these challenges through two main components: enhancing degree programs by improving their quality and relevance while strengthening university governance through system improvements.
"Enhancing the partnership between higher education and the private sector is essential for Tunisia’s economic growth and creating sustainable job opportunities, particularly for youth and women," said Alexandre Arrobbio, World Bank Country Manager for Tunisia. "The World Bank remains committed to supporting Tunisia’s investment in Human Capital."
The STEEIR project builds on the success of the Tertiary Education for Employability Project (PromESsE), which benefited over 22,000 students by introducing new degree programs, certifications, career centers, and securing international accreditations by its completion on December 31, 2024. "The STEEIR project will build upon these accomplishments," said Himdat Bayusuf, Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader for the project.