Tunis: The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a US$100 million project aimed at improving students' employability and bolstering the quality and governance of higher education and scientific research institutions in Tunisia. This initiative is designed to equip students with skills and knowledge aligned with labor market demands while supporting reforms to enhance university management and strengthen ties with industry.
According to Emirates News Agency, Tunisia has made strides in enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education, aligning it with productive sector needs to boost graduate employability. Reforms have focused on modernizing curricula, expanding access to sought-after fields, and strengthening connections between universities and employers. However, challenges such as youth unemployment and prolonged job market transitions remain, compounded by a private sector struggling to create sufficient high-skilled job opportunities. Structural barriers, including skills mismatches and gaps in work-based learning, further hinder employment prospects.
In this context, navigating global megatrends like digitalization and climate change requires investment in green skills, digital competencies, and health education. These areas are critical for equipping graduates with the skills needed for future economic opportunities and ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving job market.
To address these challenges, the Strengthening Tertiary Education for Employability, Innovation and Resilience (STEEIR) project focuses on two key components. The first component enhances degree programs by improving quality, relevance, and access in high-demand fields, modernizing campuses, and fostering employer partnerships to enhance employability. The second component strengthens university governance through system improvements, digital transformation, and quality assurance, ensuring a solid foundation for success.