Tackling Youth Unemployment: Tunisia’s STEEIR Project Focuses on Skills, Governance, and Employability

Tunisia's STEEIR Project: A Strategic Push for Workforce Readiness and Economic Growth

The World Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a US$100 million project to boost students' employability and enhance the quality and governance of higher education and scientific research institutions. This initiative is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge demanded by the labour market and support ongoing reforms that improve university management and strengthen ties with industry.

Reports suggest that Tunisia has made notable progress in enhancing its higher education system, aligning it more closely with the needs of key sectors to improve graduate employability. Reforms have focused on modernizing curricula, expanding access to high-demand fields, and strengthening university-employer partnerships. However, significant challenges persist, particularly concerning youth unemployment and delays in graduates’ transitions to the job market. These issues are exacerbated by a private sector that struggles to generate sufficient high-skilled job opportunities, compounded by skills mismatches and gaps in work-based learning.

In response, experts argue that addressing global megatrends such as digitalization and climate change requires ongoing investment in critical areas like green skills, digital competencies, and health education. Such investments will better equip graduates to seize future economic opportunities and ensure they remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic job market. To tackle these challenges, the Strengthening Tertiary Education for Employability, Innovation, and Resilience (STEEIR) project focuses on two key objectives. First, it aims to improve the quality, relevance, and accessibility of degree programs by modernizing campuses, enhancing curricula, and fostering stronger employer partnerships to boost employability. Secondly, it seeks to enhance university governance through system improvements, digital transformation, and quality assurance measures to provide a solid foundation for long-term success.

Alexandre Arrobbio, World Bank Country Manager for Tunisia, emphasized the critical role of strengthening the partnership between higher education and the private sector to drive economic growth and create sustainable job opportunities, particularly for youth and women. He highlighted the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting Tunisia’s investment in human capital, empowering individuals to contribute to the economy. He also noted that reforming higher education will equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-evolving labour market.

The STEEIR project builds upon the success of the previous Tertiary Education for Employability Project (PromESsE), which significantly improved student employability and higher education management. By its completion on December 31, 2024, PromESsE had benefited over 22,000 students by introducing new degree programs, certifications, and career centres, and securing international accreditations for four medical and engineering schools. Himdat Bayusuf, Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader for the project noted that the STEEIR project will build on these achievements, with goals to have 85 accredited programs and to support at least 145,000 students and faculty members by 2030. The STEEIR project is poised to address Tunisia's educational challenges and create a more competitive, skilled workforce, ultimately contributing to the country's sustainable growth and prosperity.

Editor's Note:

The STEEIR project marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges Tunisia’s education system faces. While substantial progress has been made in aligning higher education with labour market needs, continuing to strengthen the partnership between universities and industry is vital for sustainable economic growth. The project's focus on enhancing employability through improved degree programs and solid governance reforms is particularly commendable, especially considering the ongoing issues of youth unemployment and the widening skills gap. The integration of digital and green skills into the curriculum is both timely and essential, as these areas will shape the future workforce. The World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Tunisia’s investment in human capital is crucial in developing a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. 

Skoobuzz believes that, if implemented effectively, the STEEIR project has the potential to significantly enhance Tunisia’s education system and contribute to long-term economic resilience.