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Recruiting workers in Tunisia

Tunisia's labor market is diversified, reflecting the country's mixed economy that includes both traditional sectors and modern industries. Tunisia has implemented economic reforms to encourage investment and promote growth, which has had a positive impact on certain sectors.

Despite these efforts, the country has experienced relatively weak economic growth in recent years, exacerbated by a combination of political unrest, structural, economic and social factors. This insufficient growth has not been able to create enough jobs to absorb the growing number of university graduates and new entrants to the job market. 

According to the national statistics institute, theannualunemployment rate for theTunisian population will be over 15% in 2023. In comparison, this is more than three times the unemployment rate in Quebec for the same period. The unemployment rate is even higher for young people: in the second quarter of 2023, 38.1% of working people aged 15 to 24 were unemployed in Tunisia.

Moreover, there is a noticeable imbalance in Tunisia between the skills produced by the education system and the needs of the labor market. Many Tunisian graduates have qualifications in fields where demand is low, while fast-growing sectors such as ICT are facing a shortage of skilled workers.

For these reasons, there is a marked interest among the population, especially young people, in moving to other French-speaking countries such as France and Quebec.

Sectors of activity

1. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) job market in Tunisia is booming, reflecting the global growth of the sector and the increasing importance of digital technology in all aspects of the economy. With its well-educated youth and growing number of ICT graduates, Tunisia is striving to position itself as a regional technology hub. The Tunisian government has put in place initiatives to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in ICT, notably through startup incubators and dedicated technology zones. 

Here are some of the companies operating in the IT sector in Tunisia:

  • Vermeg : Specialized in software solutions for the financial services sector, including asset management, banking and insurance.
  • Telnet Holding: An engineering and technology group offering services in R&D, embedded systems engineering, IoT (Internet of Things), and IT consulting.
  • Sopra HR Software: A subsidiary of Sopra Steria, it offers human resources management solutions and related services.
  • Tunisie Soft: Company specialized in software development, particularly for business management.
  • 3S: Security systems and services company, offering IT, information systems and communications security solutions.
  • Focus Corporation: Offers software engineering, consulting and IT outsourcing services, with expertise in various sectors.
  • Néos: Specialized in IT consulting, systems integration and custom development.
  • DigitalMania Studio : Pioneering video game development studio in Tunisia.
  • PixoCroiss: Specializing in mobile application development, web design and digital marketing.
  • Think it: A technology company focused on software engineering and artificial intelligence, with a strong commitment to sustainable development and social innovation.

Profiles of interest for recruitment in the IT sector in Tunisia:

  • IT Solution Architect
  • IT Support Agent
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • Software developer
  • Computer technician
  • Analyst Programmer
  • IT Support Technician
  • IT Project Manager
  • System administrator
  • Front-end developer
  • Back-end developer
  • Full stack developer
  • UI/UX
  • Java Developer
  • IT Business Analyst
  • IT Recruiter

2. Manufacturing‍

The manufacturing job market in Tunisia plays a crucial role in the country's economy, representing a major source of employment and export earnings. The sector is diversified, including the manufacture of textiles and clothing, automotive components, electronics and agri-food products. Tunisia's geographical proximity to Europe favors the export of its manufactured products, attracting foreign investment in specialized industrial zones. However, the sector faces challenges such as the need to increase the added value of products, improve competitiveness on international markets and meet environmental and sustainability standards. 

Here are some of the companies operating in the manufacturing sector in Tunisia:

  • Groupe Elloumi: A conglomerate with a strong presence in the automotive components sector, particularly in the manufacture of cables and electrical systems for the automotive industry.
  • OneTech Holding: A group operating in the advanced technologies sector, including electrical and electronic components for various industries.
  • SFBT (Société Frigorifique et Brasserie de Tunis): One of Tunisia's leading beverage production companies, including soft drinks, beer and mineral water.
  • Poulina Group Holding: A diversified conglomerate with activities in several sectors, including agri-food, poultry and animal feed production, as well as the manufacture of construction products.
  • Ennakl Automobiles: Importer and distributor of several brands of vehicles, but also involved in the assembly and manufacture of automotive components.
  • Latelec: Subsidiary of the French Latécoère group, specialized in the manufacture of aeronautical wiring and parts for the aerospace industry.
  • STIP (Société Tunisienne des Industries de Pneumatiques) - Tunisia's leading tire manufacturer, producing a range of tires for various types of vehicle.
  • Groupe Délice: Leader in the agri-food sector, particularly in the production of dairy products, juices and beverages.
  • Coficab: World leader in the design, manufacture and sale of wiring solutions for the automotive industry.
  • BIATLABS: Although primarily an incubator supported by Banque :Arabe de Tunisie, it supports the innovation and development of startups in various sectors, including manufacturing, by offering resources and support to entrepreneurs.

Profiles of interest for recruitment in the manufacturing sector in Tunisia:

  • Operator
  • CNC Operator
  • Press operator
  • Production Operator
  • Electrical fitter/cable installer
  • Mechanical assembler/cable fitter
  • Material handler
  • Machinist
  • Electromechanic
  • Automation Technician
  • Quality controller
  • Plastic injection technician

3. Food and agri-food sector

The job market in Tunisia's agricultural and agri-food sector is vital to the country's economy, accounting for a significant proportion of rural employment and making an important contribution to exports. Tunisia, renowned for its production of olives, dates, cereals and citrus fruits, as well as for its fast-growing olive oil sector, offers diversified opportunities ranging from traditional agriculture to modern agro-industry. The sector faces challenges such as the need to improve production methods, adopt sustainable farming practices in the face of climate change, and modernize the agri-food industry to increase competitiveness on international markets.

Here are a few companies in Tunisia's agricultural and agri-food sector:

  • Poulina Group Holding (PGH): Founded in 1967, Poulina is a giant in the Tunisian agri-food sector. The group operates in several segments, including poultry production, animal feed, meat processing and dairy products.
  • Groupe Délice: One of the leaders in the dairy products sector, Groupe Délice also produces a wide range of other agri-food products such as juices and drinks, under brands that are well known in Tunisia.
  • Société Industrielle d'Huile de Graines (SIH): Specializing in the production of vegetable oils, notably from sunflower and soybean seeds, SIH is a key player in the Tunisian oil market.
  • Groupe Mabrouk: Groupe Mabrouk operates in a variety of sectors, including agri-food, through its holdings in Monoprix supermarkets and food production companies.
  • Société Tunisienne de Sucre: Founded in 1962, this company is Tunisia's leading sugar producer, playing a crucial role in supplying the local market.
  • Stifen: Stifen is known for the production of pasta and semolina, being a well-established brand in the Tunisian cereals sector.
  • Société Tunisienne des Industries de Pâtes Alimentaires (SOTIPASTA): Another major player in the manufacture of pasta and wheat-based products, contributing to the diversity of Tunisia's food supply.
  • Slama Group: Well known for its Terra Delyssa olive oil brand, Groupe Slama is also active in other segments of the agri-food industry, including canning and processing of agricultural products.

Interesting jobs to recruit in Tunisia in the agriculture and agri-food sector:

  • Butcher
  • Industrial butcher
  • Baker
  • Meat boner
  • Mechanic
  • Grocery clerk
  • Quality assurance technician
  • Laboratory technician
  • Food regulation technician
  • Industrial hygiene technician
  • Forklift operator / Laborer
  • Production day laborer
  • Food processing laborer

4. Textile and clothing industry

Tunisia's textile and clothing sector is an important pillar of the national economy, constituting one of the country's main sources of exports and employment. Historically renowned for its skilled workforce and garment-making know-how, Tunisia attracts foreign investment and serves as a production base for several international brands. The sector offers a wide range of employment opportunities, from fashion design and production to logistics and marketing.

Here are some of the main players in this field: 

  • Groupe Mabrouk: Through its subsidiaries, the group operates in the textile sector, producing and marketing clothing under various brands.
  • SFBT Group (Société de Fabrication des Boissons de Tunisie): Although primarily known for its beverage activities, the group also has interests in the textile sector through its investments and holdings.
  • Maille Club: Specializing in the production of knitwear, Maille Club is recognized for its quality and expertise in manufacturing garments for export.
  • Chaabane Group: Operating in the textile sector, the Chaabane Group specializes in the production of clothing and technical textiles, meeting the needs of various international markets.
  • Groupe Loukil: Although diversified, Groupe Loukil has activities in the textile sector, contributing to the export of Tunisian textile products.
  • Groupe Elloumi: The group, through subsidiaries such as Cofat and Coficab, is mainly involved in the manufacture of automotive components, but also has interests in textiles, illustrating the economic diversification of certain Tunisian groups.
  • Tunisian Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA): Although not a manufacturing group per se, FIPA plays a crucial role in promoting foreign investment in Tunisia's textile sector, helping to connect foreign investors with local companies.

Workers to be recruited in Tunisia in the textile and clothing sector:

  • Butcher
  • Industrial butcher
  • Baker
  • Meat boner
  • Mechanic
  • Grocery clerk
  • Quality assurance technician
  • Laboratory technician
  • Food regulation technician
  • Industrial hygiene technician
  • Forklift operator / Laborer
  • Production day laborer
  • Food processing laborer

5. Tourism sector

The tourism job market in Tunisia is vital to the national economy, reflecting the importance of tourism as a significant source of income and employment. Tunisia, with its Mediterranean beaches, rich cultural and historical heritage, including ancient sites and cities steeped in history, attracts visitors from all over the world. The industry offers a variety of employment opportunities, from hotels and restaurants to travel agencies, tour guides, event management and leisure services. 

In terms of what's on offer, there's a multitude of restaurants and a wide variety of tourist accommodations. 

Among the interesting jobs to be recruited in Tunisia in the tourism sector:

  • Cook
  • Kitchen clerk
  • Receptionist
  • Concierge
  • Server
  • Baggage handler
  • Floor attendant

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Tunisian job market offers a complex and diversified panorama, reflecting the challenges and opportunities of its mixed economy. Despite low economic growth and high unemployment, Tunisia is a reservoir of talent that should not be overlooked, with a highly qualified young population just waiting to demonstrate its talent.