The fifth edition of the Tunisian Independent Work Day conference was held in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, on November 3, 2026. The event was organized in collaboration with the National School of Engineers at the University of Manouba. The conference aimed to enhance the employability of higher education graduates, support individual initiatives, and adapt to changes in the job market.
This year's conference coincides with the upcoming graduation of the first batch of students from the National School of Engineers at the University of Manouba in the 2026-2027 academic year. The event focused on transitioning from the diagnostic phase to actual implementation. It presented a new legal and tax framework for individual work and a draft law on platform economy.
The conference was inaugurated by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Monther Belaid, in the presence of Emmanuel Amaral, head of the Cooperation Section at the European Union in Tunisia. The event is part of an effort to engage with the economic and social environment. It seeks to promote dialogue between universities, public institutions, economic actors, and representatives of independent work.
Minister Belaid emphasized in his opening speech that Tunisia has exceptional youth with great abilities and potential for innovation. He stated that the main challenge is converting these skills into real opportunities for professional success and contributing to development.
Belaid highlighted that rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital economy, are opening up new prospects for youth. He noted that career paths are no longer limited to traditional forms of employment but now include independent work, entrepreneurship, digital services, and cross-border professional activities.
The conference was attended by several officials, including Jihane Qazza, director of the Minister's office for Employment and Vocational Training, Amer Sharif, president of the University of Manouba, and Imad Riad Farah, director of the National School of Engineers at Manouba.
The event brought together various stakeholders to explore new avenues for youth employment, valorize national skills, and encourage entrepreneurship and emerging professions. Key points discussed included the need for a supportive ecosystem for independent workers and ways to provide them with social protection.
Key points
- The conference aimed to enhance employability of higher education graduates and support individual initiatives.
- A new legal and tax framework for individual work was presented during the conference.
- The event promoted dialogue between universities, public institutions, and economic actors to foster youth employment.
