Promoting financial and socio-economic inclusion in Tunisia

Context

The Tunisian authorities are committed to improving financial and socio-economic inclusion, yet there is a lack of needs-driven, attractive financial services such as a mobile wallet – especially for women and disadvantaged groups. At the same time, financial institutions do not sufficiently tailor their services to the needs of the population.

There is also a shortfall in training and advisory services for women, young people, Tunisian migrants and returnees that are necessary for their effective socio-economic integration.

Furthermore, in order to give people access to good jobs and thus create better prospects in Tunisia for returnees and potential Tunisian emigrants, needs-oriented training courses are required. 

Website: National Agency for Employment and Independent Work (Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi et le Travail Indépendant) (in French)

Objective

People contributing to economic activity and disadvantaged people, especially women, have better access to needs-driven financial and other services. As a result, their economic and social integration has improved.

Approach

The project works with implementing partners in three areas:

• It advises the Central Bank of Tunisia and its subordinate institutions on the implementation of the strategic plan and the national strategies for digital payments and financial inclusion. The Ministry of Social Affairs and the partners for Tunisian returnees are also supported in expanding their reintegration services. To this end, the project strives to optimise organisational processes, data protection and institutional learning, for example.
• The project works with private financial service providers to develop services and tailor them to meet the needs of target groups. It supports financial institutions in taking a participatory approach to developing innovative products such as for remittances by involving the Tunisian diaspora in the process, for example. The project provides financial and advisory support for the establishment of two new vocational training centres by Tunisie Pour Le Développement (Tunisian foundation for development).
• Through training and advisory programmes, the project aims to encourage citizens, especially women, to develop their financial skills and build networks.

Last update: June 2024