Tunisia flag

Author(s): Presidency of the Government, E-Government Unit

Resource Type: Case studies

Countries: Tunisia

SDG: GOAL 16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Keywords: Open government, Participation

2014

Tunisia Membership in the Open Government Partnership

Source in English:     ESCWA-OECD Case Study - Tunisia Membership in the Open Government Partnership

Tunisia was one of the first African countries to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP), and this was driven by the post-revolution new vision to move from the classic public administration to an open one.  This membership allowed for building important potentials, competencies and expertise in open government and for strengthening the modalities of public governance through incorporating open government principles within Government work.

Implementation: 2014

Contributor(s)

This initiative was led by the e-Government Unit at the Presidency of the Government in collaboration with ministries, civil society and non-governmental organizations, donors, and the Open Government Forum.

Purpose

The objectives of joining the OGP include:

  • Dedicating the Government's commitment to establishing an open and more responsive public governance model.
  • Promoting transparency and accountability, combatting corruption, and further engaging citizens through the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs), which leads to improving the quality of life and relationship with the government and enhancing public services.
  • Exchanging experiences and best practices in terms of open governance and administration reforms.

Functions

This initiative was launched within a framework of coordination and collaboration between the Government and the civil society, aiming to achieve the common goal of making reforms and engaging citizens in the public administration. It was implemented by adopting a participatory approach. The aspirations for reforms were consolidated by a set of measures such as the integration of ICTs in government work and the elaboration of a clear strategic government vision that includes an anti-corruption strategy, an action plan for implementing the access to information law, and tax reforms, among others.

Clients

This membership benefits the Government (ministries and local authorities), citizens, civil society and non-governmental organizations.

Outcome

Since joining the OGP in 2014, Tunisia has implemented three action plans resulting in important achievements in the technological, institutional and legal areas.  In 2018, Tunisia earned 13 points out of 16 in the Core Eligibility criteria, highlighting its firm commitment to the global partnership.  The achievements can be categorized as follows:

  • Enhancing transparency of government actions and public data release.
  • Promoting integrity and combating corruption in the public sector.
  • Enhancing the participatory approach and local governance.
  • Good governance of national financial revenues and natural resources.

Challenges

  • The fragile post-revolution context and political instability in Tunisia have delayed the membership process.
  • The multiplicity of issues to be addressed that are related to the OGP values such as transparency, accountability, integrity, participation and use of ICTs.
  • Organizational challenges and change management.
  • Limited resources and lack of expertise needed for the OGP membership process.

Useful links

Open Government Partnership - Tunisia
Tunisia page and action plan in the Open Government Partnership

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