Following the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) approval of up to €190 million in financing for Tunisie Telecom, the nation's telecom operator, Tunisia is set to boost its digital infrastructure. A multi-year transformation plan that aims to modernise networks, increase access to high-speed internet nationwide, and improve connectivity will be supported by the funding.

Up to 200,000 households will be connected to fiber-to-the-home services, the fibre network will be expanded, and the upgrade from 4G to 5G will be funded by the EBRD loan. Along with specific initiatives in energy production and efficiency, investments will also modernise Tunisie Telecom's core networks and backbone, enhancing operational performance and sustainability.

An important aspect of the project is the improvement of Tunisia’s global connectivity by linking it to the MEDUSA submarine cable, a Mediterranean subsea cable that stretches over 8,000 kilometers and connects almost 13 countries in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. This will help improve data capacity and Tunisia’s role as a digital gateway in the region.

The funding is accompanied by an €11 million grant from the European Union, which aims to improve network development, cybersecurity, and technical support for a comprehensive transformation program that covers skills, digitalization, and sustainability. This project is the first public sector financing by the EBRD in Tunisia that does not require a sovereign guarantee since 2012, indicating increasing confidence in Tunisia’s digital economy.