Tunisia's Prime Minister, Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to its social role in 2027, focusing on supporting employment, improving purchasing power, developing public services, and strengthening social protection. This announcement was made during a joint plenary session of the two parliamentary chambers, where the government's budget and economic plans for 2027 were discussed. The government's efforts aim to enhance the country's economic and social development.
The Tunisian government has allocated significant funds to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and students. A total of 40 million dinars (MD) will be dedicated to direct financing for these groups, while 35 MD and 40 MD will be allocated to support economic integration of underprivileged categories and community enterprises, respectively. These initiatives aim to promote entrepreneurship and job creation.
The government plans to prioritize technological development in SMEs, stimulate innovation, and modernize production methods. This will be achieved by strengthening ties between universities, research centers, and SMEs, as well as encouraging partnerships in research and development. Tunisia has been recognized globally for its high proportion of science and engineering graduates, with 37.93% of its higher education graduates in these fields, according to the 2026 Global Innovation Index.
A total of 32,557 job positions will be opened in the public sector in 2027, including 5,663 for workers aged 45-55. Additionally, 26,894 positions will be available in other sectors, with 740 reserved for regularizing the status of doctoral degree holders at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The total number of public sector employees is expected to reach 692,702 by the end of 2027.
The government has committed to honoring its commitments to salary increases in the public and private sectors, as well as pension increases, for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028. An envelope of 3,768 MD has been allocated for social interventions, including 1,973 MD for supporting low-income families and vulnerable categories. These measures aim to alleviate poverty and promote social justice.
The government is also investing in healthcare infrastructure, with several hospital projects underway. The construction of the Sbeitla regional hospital has been completed, and eight other regional hospitals are being built. Additionally, 30 new services will be created within public health establishments, and 30 mobile emergency and resuscitation units will be set up across the country.
The government's budget plans for 2027 also include measures to support the pharmaceutical industry and improve healthcare services. An envelope of 410.4 MD has been allocated for the rehabilitation of healthcare infrastructure. The government aims to strengthen medical security, ensure the availability of medicines and medical devices, and develop the pharmaceutical industry.
Key points
- The Tunisian government plans to open 32,557 job positions in the public sector in 2027.
- The government has allocated significant funds to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote entrepreneurship.
- The government is investing in healthcare infrastructure, with several hospital projects underway and new services to be created within public health establishments.
