In Tunisia, a significant gap exists between the number of community society initiatives registered and those that are actually operational. According to data cited by academic Lotfi Ben Aïssa, 791 initiatives have been submitted, 230 community societies have been legally established, 75 have secured funding, and 60 have become active. This represents a considerable disparity between the number of initiatives and the number of active societies.
The ratio of active societies to initiatives is approximately 7.6%, with 60 active societies out of 791 initiatives. However, this ratio should not be considered an official success rate, as the data spans different periods and stages of the process. The 791 initiatives and 75 funded societies refer to data from 2026, while the 230 established societies and 60 active ones were reported by the Minister of Employment in October 2025.
The data also shows that 380 direct jobs have been created, with each active society averaging 6.3 direct jobs. The main reason for the low number of active societies is unclear, but difficulties in accessing funding and complex procedures have been identified as obstacles by the authorities. However, these factors do not fully explain the gap between registered projects and operational ones.
A report on funded societies reveals that 75 out of 791 initiatives received funding, representing around 9.5%. This indicates a significant reduction in the number of projects before they become operational. The authorities have previously highlighted the challenges of accessing funding and complex procedures as major hurdles for these structures.
To better understand the situation, a consolidated snapshot of each stage – from submitted initiatives to active societies – is needed. Without this data, it is challenging to pinpoint precisely where and why projects are stalling. The available data clearly shows a funneling effect, but the exact causes of the blockages remain unclear.
The academic Lotfi Ben Aïssa provided the data that highlights the discrepancy between initiatives, funding, and activity. His research emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the community society landscape in Tunisia. Further analysis is required to identify the root causes of the challenges faced by these societies.
The Tunisian government and stakeholders must address the challenges faced by community societies to increase their impact on the economy and job market. With only 60 active societies, there is room for growth and improvement. By streamlining procedures and improving access to funding, more initiatives can become operational and contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- 791 community society initiatives have been registered in Tunisia, but only 60 are active.
- The main obstacles faced by community societies include difficulties in accessing funding and complex procedures.
- Each active society in Tunisia averages 6.3 direct jobs.
