On September 25, 2026, Mondher Belaid, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Tunisia, hosted a meeting with Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaya, the World Bank's Regional Director for the Maghreb Arab countries and Malta. The meeting took place at the Ministry's headquarters and was attended by Fatma Nashi, Director of the Office responsible for monitoring the implementation of projects funded by the World Bank, and Himdat Iqbal Bayusuf, an education and skills specialist for the World Bank's West and Central Africa region.
The meeting focused on reviewing various cooperation projects and programs between Tunisia and the World Bank in the fields of higher education and scientific research. Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the results achieved through this partnership, which has included several strategic projects aimed at improving the quality of higher education and scientific research in Tunisia. These projects have also contributed to enhancing the international ranking of Tunisian universities.
Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaya emphasized the World Bank's continued support for the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education's policies and strategic projects, which aim to facilitate the integration of higher education graduates into the labor market. He also expressed the bank's interest in expanding its partnership with Tunisia to include other strategic areas, such as renewable energy and digital transformation.
The meeting was an opportunity for both parties to discuss the current state of cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration. The World Bank has been a key partner for Tunisia in the field of higher education and scientific research, providing financial and technical support for various projects. These projects have had a positive impact on the quality of education and research in Tunisia.
The Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has been working to improve the quality of education and research in the country, with a focus on enhancing the employability of graduates and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The ministry has also been working to strengthen partnerships with international organizations, including the World Bank, to support its strategic objectives.
The World Bank's support for Tunisia's higher education sector is part of its broader strategy to promote economic growth and social development in the country. The bank has been working with Tunisia to address key challenges in the education sector, including improving the quality of education and increasing access to education for all.
The meeting between the Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and the World Bank delegation is a testament to the strong partnership between Tunisia and the World Bank in the field of higher education and scientific research. Both parties have expressed their commitment to continuing their collaboration and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
Key points
- The World Bank has expressed its continued support for Tunisia's higher education sector and its interest in expanding its partnership with the country to include new areas such as renewable energy and digital transformation.
