In a strategic move to reshape the future of its youth, Tunisia signed a €96.1 million financing deal with the World Bank during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

The agreement, endorsed by Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh, will fund sweeping reforms in the country’s higher education sector.

The initiative is designed to enhance the quality, innovation, and adaptability of Tunisia’s universities and technical institutions, with a sharp focus on boosting graduate employability in a competitive global economy.

The financing comes with highly favorable terms, including a 28-year repayment period and an eight-year grace period, underscoring the World Bank’s long-term commitment to Tunisia’s development goals.

The agreement was the result of high-level discussions between Minister Abdelhafidh and Ethiopis Tafara, Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), alongside senior IFC officials and Tunisia’s Ambassador to Washington. These meetings explored avenues for deeper economic cooperation and new development financing opportunities.

As Tunisia grapples with economic challenges and high youth unemployment, this landmark funding deal is seen as a catalyst for empowering the next generation through a more responsive and future-ready education system.