Tunisia Advances to 71st Globally in Innovation Index for 2026

Tunisia has made notable progress in the Global Innovation Index for 2026, climbing five ranks to secure the 71st position globally among 139 economies. This improvement is a reflection of the country's robust human and scientific capital. According to Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, Tunisia excelled in several areas, including ranking first globally in the number of science and engineering graduates and 12th in scientific production.

The country's innovation outputs also saw significant enhancements, with Tunisia ranking 56th in this category, up from 92nd in 2025. This progress underscores the effectiveness of investments in education and research. The Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, evaluates various aspects of innovation, including human capital, research, and innovation outputs. Tunisia's advancements in these areas highlight its growing capabilities in innovation and scientific research.

On the African continent, Tunisia secured the fourth position, following Mauritius, South Africa, and Morocco. This achievement demonstrates Tunisia's leadership in innovation within the region, surpassing other African economies such as Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and Senegal. The country's strong performance in human capital and research, ranking 45th globally, is a key factor in its overall innovation ranking.

Despite these achievements, the 2026 Global Innovation Index also reveals challenges for Tunisia. The country ranked 124th in business environment and 112th in innovation linkages, indicating a need for improved collaboration between the research sector and the economy. Minister Belaid emphasized the importance of transforming scientific research into economic outcomes, highlighting the necessity for enhanced technology transfer and innovation.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Higher Education is focusing on developing mechanisms to valorize scientific research and promote technology transfer. This includes supporting innovative initiatives and projects, as well as fostering stronger ties between universities, research centers, and economic institutions. By doing so, Tunisia aims to convert research outputs into practical applications and products that can drive economic growth.

Minister Belaid stressed that the ministry's vision is centered on directing investments towards developing scientific and technological infrastructure, enhancing the capabilities of research institutions, and encouraging economic institutions to invest in research and development. This strategic approach is expected to improve the returns on scientific research and expand its contribution to the development of economic sectors.

The minister also highlighted the critical role of synergy between the scientific research system and the economic fabric in converting scientific competencies into added value. This alignment is seen as essential for promoting innovation as a driver of economic and social development in Tunisia. By leveraging its scientific and human capital, Tunisia aims to consolidate its position as a leader in innovation within the African continent and globally.

Key points

• Tunisia ranks 71st globally in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, up five places from 2025.
• The country excelled in several areas, including ranking first globally in the number of science and engineering graduates.
• Tunisia aims to convert research outputs into practical applications and products that can drive economic growth by enhancing technology transfer and innovation.