Tunisia’s digital economy is embedded in everyday life, writes Zara Rabia/Shutterstock

This piece is published by Policy in cooperation with the University of Ottawa as part of our Emerging Voices program, which provides an editorial platform for students in public policy.

By Zara Rabia

April 7, 2026

Across the developing world, digital technologies are transforming how people work and participate in economic life. Platforms originally designed for communication or entertainment are now being used in very different ways. They function as marketplaces, learning spaces, and small business tools.

This trend is revolutionizing African economies, largely led by young people. Faced with high unemployment and limited opportunities, many are turning to online platforms to generate income wherever possible. And Tunisia has become an innovation incubator at the heart of this revolution.

Much of this activity remains unrecognized. It exists outside official systems and statistics, often described as an “invisible digital economy.” But its informality masks its significance as a major shift in how young Tunisians are adapting to economic constraints by creating opportunities for themselves.

A key factor driving this trend is youth unemployment. In some regions of Tunisia, it approaches 40%, according to Statista data. For many graduates, completing university does not lead to immediate employment. Instead, it often results in months of economic uncertainty. In this context, engaging in digital activities is less a choice than a necessity.

These activities take many forms. Some individuals sell secondhand clothing through Facebook Marketplace. Others promote handmade goods such as cosmetics or accessories via Instagram. Students also offer tutoring services online, using video platforms to reach clients.

While these initiatives may appear small in isolation, collectively they represent a broader shift toward a flexible and expanding digital economy embedded in everyday life.

One reason this type of work is attractive is its accessibility. In many cases, a smartphone and an internet connection are enough to get started. There is little need for significant upfront investment or complex administrative processes. This allows young people to experiment and learn through experience.

Tunisia’s digital youth economy is not marginal. It reflects a broader transformation already underway.

However, this flexibility comes with limitations. Because these activities are informal, participants often lack access to financial support, legal protections, or stable income streams. A technical issue or platform change can quickly disrupt their earnings.

Structural challenges further complicate this landscape. Financial infrastructure remains a major barrier. Access to international payment systems such as PayPal or Stripe is limited in Tunisia, while local banking systems can make cross-border transactions costly and complex. As a result, some individuals rely on friends or relatives abroad to receive payments, an approach that is not always reliable.

Internet access is another critical issue. While urban areas benefit from relatively stable connectivity, rural regions continue to experience frequent disruptions. This has direct consequences for individuals whose work depends on being online. For example, a disrupted connection during a livestream sale can result in lost customers, as highlighted in research on internet accessibility. In this context, reliable internet is not a luxury but a necessity.

Administrative barriers also play a role. Registering for a business can be both costly and complex, particularly for individuals with small or irregular incomes. For many, formalization does not seem worth the effort, even if remaining informal limits long-term growth. Additionally, social perceptions still influence how online work is viewed, with some considering it less legitimate than traditional employment.

Looking at other countries provides a useful perspective. In Kenya, the introduction of mobile payment systems has significantly improved financial inclusion but within limits, as explained by Abraham Augustine for Carnegie Endowment. In Ghana, initiatives such as the IFC and MEST programs combine training with mentorship to support young entrepreneurs. In Nigeria, improvements in logistics and delivery systems, supported by platforms like Checkit, have facilitated access to broader markets.

These examples demonstrate that meaningful change is possible when the right support systems are in place. In Tunisia, expanding access to digital payment solutions would significantly enhance opportunities for online entrepreneurs. Improving internet infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, would help reduce regional inequalities. Simplifying business registration processes could also encourage gradual formalization.

Some initiatives are already moving in this direction. The World Bank Nexus Skills and Jobs for Youth Project aims to improve employability and support entrepreneurship. The Orange Digital Center provides digital skills training, while the United Nations Development Programme supports youth-led initiatives. However, access to these opportunities remains uneven.

Ignoring or underserving this digital economy would be a mistake. High unemployment contributes to frustration and, in some cases, migration. Many young Tunisians continue to seek opportunities abroad. At the same time, the activities emerging within the country highlight an important reality: young people are adapting, innovating, and building economic alternatives despite limited resources.

Ultimately, Tunisia’s digital youth economy is not marginal. It reflects a broader transformation already underway. The key question is whether institutions will evolve quickly enough to support and sustain it.

Zara Rabia is an undergraduate student in Economics and Political Science at the University of Ottawa, with a focus on international political economy and digital development. Her work explores youth entrepreneurship, informal economies, and the role of digital transformation in emerging markets.