• Officials meet in Tunis to explore cooperation in digital technology and postal sector

• Talks focus on training, technical expertise, and start-up collaboration

• Tunisia ranks 9th in Africa on ICT index, while Palestine seeks to bridge digital gap

Tunisia and Palestine have reaffirmed their interest in strengthening cooperation in information and communication technologies (ICT) and in the postal sector. The commitment was made during a meeting on September 9 in Tunis between Sofiene Hemissi, Tunisia’s Minister of Communication Technologies, and Houda Wahidi, Palestine’s Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, in the presence of Palestinian Ambassador Rami Qaddoumi.

Talks centered on deepening bilateral ties through training, knowledge sharing, and technical expertise. Both sides also expressed interest in fostering collaboration between Tunisian and Palestinian start-ups to drive innovation and enhance the competitiveness of their digital ecosystems.

The initiative aligns with both countries’ vision of consolidating their digital sectors as a way to diversify their economies. Tunisia is already well positioned, ranking 9th in Africa with an ICT Development Index score of 79.6 out of 100, according to the International Telecommunication Union’s July 2025 report. Palestine, constrained by structural challenges, scored 69.1, signaling room for convergence.

A partnership could deliver multiple benefits. For Palestine, it could expand digital access in schools, government services, and rural areas, helping reduce the digital divide. For Tunisia, the cooperation would create opportunities to export its technological know-how, open markets in the Middle East, and strengthen its start-up ecosystem by exposing it to new and demanding environments.

The talks remain at a preliminary stage. While general directions have been outlined, specific terms have not yet been agreed, and no formal deal has been signed so far.