• Tunisia used AI to draft its 2026–2030 development plan

• Plan prioritizes digital reform, healthcare, and energy

• Goal is data-driven, transparent governance

Tunisia's Development Planning Commission used artificial intelligence (AI) to draft the nation's 2026–2030 national development plan, Commission President Mohamed El Kou announced on Wednesday, July 9. The plan outlines Tunisia's economic and social priorities for the next five years.

According to El Kou AI tools analyzed extensive sector-specific indicators to objectively identify key strategic priorities. The plan prioritizes digital transformation, legislative reform, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, regional equity, healthcare, and renewable energy. This approach, he noted, aims to base decisions on genuine needs rather than arbitrary political choices.

"Using artificial intelligence in planning is now a necessity. Those who fail to adapt risk marginalization," El Kou said. He added, "In a rapidly changing world, Tunisia cannot lag behind. It must seriously embrace the digital shift and fully commit to it." He clarified that AI complements human intelligence within a vision for an "intelligent state," rather than replacing it.

This initiative reflects a drive to modernize public policy, enhance transparency, and prepare Tunisia’s economy for global digital competition. It comes as AI remains a central topic of global debate. The World Bank suggests that AI, when combined with human-led management and decision-making, can assist governments in addressing development challenges.

The institution noted that disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to transform governments. It added that AI can be used as a tool to deliver personalized service experiences, improve the efficiency of management processes, strengthen policy compliance, and help detect fraud.

Adoni Conrad Quenum