Tunisia has made significant progress in the Global Innovation Index 2026, climbing five places to rank 71st globally, with a score of 29.3 points. This improvement is noted in the 19th edition of the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Global Innovation Index. The country's advancement is attributed to its strengths in human capital and research, where it ranks 45th globally.
In Africa, Tunisia ranks fourth in innovation, behind Mauritius, South Africa, and other notable countries. The nation's robust performance in scientific production and export-oriented capacities has contributed to its high ranking. Specifically, Tunisia excels in producing science and engineering graduates, ranking first globally. Its scientific output is also impressive, placing 12th worldwide.
The country's innovation landscape is further bolstered by its high-tech exports, which rank 38th globally, and its cutting-edge R&D investments and high-tech FDI, placing 18th. These strengths form a solid foundation for Tunisia's technological modernization, according to the WIPO. The organization's report highlights these achievements as key drivers of the country's innovation progress.
Despite these advancements, the report also identifies areas for improvement. Tunisia's business environment is considered dynamic but ranks 124th globally, and the private sector's participation in R&D is insufficient, with weak links to innovation, ranking 112th. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering greater commercial innovation and higher value-added exports.
The Global Innovation Index, a reference point since 2007, evaluates nearly 140 countries based on around 80 indicators, including R&D, high-tech product trade, qualified jobs, and intellectual property licenses. The 2026 edition introduces a new indicator focusing on R&D in innovative fields and high-tech FDI, based on announced investment projects.
The WIPO's 2025-2026 survey reveals that 78% of responding member states, totaling 93 out of 120, utilize the index to enhance their innovation policies and data. This widespread adoption underscores the index's importance in guiding national innovation strategies. Tunisia's progress in the index reflects its ongoing efforts to strengthen its innovation ecosystem.
To further boost its innovation capacity, Tunisia needs to better connect its talent pool, research capabilities, and export capacities with businesses and investments. This alignment is essential for achieving increased commercial innovation and higher value-added exports, ultimately driving economic growth and development.
Key points
- Tunisia ranks 71st in the Global Innovation Index 2026, up five places from 2025.
- The country ranks fourth in Africa, behind Mauritius, South Africa, and other countries.
- Tunisia excels in producing science and engineering graduates and has a strong scientific output.
