Tunisia’s Finance Ministry Moves to Integrate AI into Taxation, Customs and Accounting

Tunisia’s Ministry of Finance is moving towards greater integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to develop its information systems and strengthen networking between its various departments, including taxation, customs, accounting and administrative oversight.

Zouheir Ataallah, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Finance, stressed the importance of adopting AI technologies to modernize the ministry’s information systems and improve connections between its different structures.

He explained that the main objective of digitalizing the administration and adopting AI tools is to accelerate procedures and services provided to citizens and businesses, while also preparing human resources for the digital transformation.

Training and data security

Ataallah highlighted the role of the National Schools of Finance and Customs in providing training and preparing officials to work with new digital technologies.

He also stressed the importance of data security and cybersecurity, given the sensitive nature and large volume of data relating to individuals and companies held by the Ministry of Finance and its affiliated structures.

Several AI projects underway

Abdelhakim Abidi, Director General of the National Customs School, said that work to integrate artificial intelligence began around two years ago, with the aim of strengthening human resources’ skills and preparing them to use modern digital tools.

He also emphasized the importance of protecting and securing data related to public services and businesses, in order to ensure its effective use in simplifying procedures and accelerating monitoring operations and services.

Abidi revealed that several projects are currently underway and will be announced soon. These include the use of AI-powered communication tools, particularly a chatbot within the General Directorate of Taxes.

Other projects include the development of the “Sanad 2” system, which is designed to support risk targeting and certificates of origin within the Customs administration, as well as several applications developed by the Ministry of Finance’s IT Centre.

The statements were made during a joint national conference organized by the National School of Finance in partnership with the National Customs School under the theme: “Artificial Intelligence Challenges and the Areas of Intervention of the Ministry of Finance: The Role of Training Institutions.”

What's happening in Tunisia?
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.