Telecoms & IT

With high bandwidth, coverage and network reliability, Tunisia’s telecoms infrastructure is well developed, particularly by regional North African standards, though competition is low in some segments, leading to high prices for international calls. However, following the launch of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in 2015 and the completion of a new undersea cable the previous year, infrastructure and competition are set for a further boost in 2016 through the planned activation of 4G networks, which may also see the arrival of a fourth mobile operator. Investors in segments such as off shoring, however, are still looking out for further moves to bolster competition, in particular in terms of international traffic, without which costs are expected to remain high. Addressing these challenges will be key to future sector growth. Bolstered by a well-educated workforce, competitive costs, proximity to Europe and strong telecoms infrastructure, Tunisia has emerged as a regional centre for IT-related businesses and export-oriented industries such as off shoring and business process outsourcing (BPO). However, it is now facing growing competition from nearby markets such as Egypt and Morocco. A vibrant start-up community is also helping the country move up the value chain, and it is home to an increasing number of local companies producing and exporting proprietary content. This chapter contains a dialogue with Didier Charvet, CEO, Orange Tunisia; and Nizar Bouguila, Chairman and CEO, Tunisie Télécom.