Our Work

Democracy, Human Rights and Governance

USAID is strengthening participatory and inclusive political processes, supporting accountability in transitional justice and human rights, and encouraging legal reforms for non-governmental organizations. In October 2011, USAID assisted Tunisia in organizing and administering what were widely hailed as free and fair multiparty elections for a Constituent Assembly, which will draft a new constitution this year.

Economic Growth and Trade

In May 2012, the United States provided the Tunisian government with a $100 million cash transfer for short-term fiscal relief. USAID also is working with other U.S. Government agencies to put in place a sovereign loan guarantee to support the country’s economic stabilization and economic reform goals by providing several hundreds of millions of dollars more in financing for the Tunisian Government.

USAID also will capitalize a U.S.-Tunisian Enterprise Fund ($20 million) that will invest in the small and medium enterprises that are the engines of sustainable job creation in Tunisia.

USAID is planning a major economic growth project in Tunisia’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector to support small and medium enterprise development, as well as skills training and placement into local ICT firms. It will create mutually beneficial linkages with the U.S. private sector by certifying Tunisians in Microsoft and Oracle systems. This project also contributes to broader U.S. economic engagement with Tunisia, which is especially important since measurable progress in the country can bolster democratic change and economic reforms, both in Tunisia and elsewhere in the region.

Working in Crises and Conflict

Following unrest in the country, USAID provided $50,000 to the Tunisian Red Crescent (TRC) to address the humanitarian needs of economically vulnerable Tunisians. In addition, USAID provided $50,000 to the TRC for emergency assistance and then relief commodities in response to the large-scale population outflows from Libya into Tunisia as a result of the Libyan conflict. USAID also provided $3 million through the UN World Food Program for food assistance benefiting Tunisian host communities, Libyans, and other displaced nationals. This year, USAID provided $50,000 to the Comité Regional de Solidarité Social (Tunisia Solidarity Union) in response to massive flooding. 

Transition Assistance

USAID is supporting constructive citizen engagement in the transition and national efforts toward achieving more equitable, responsive, and legitimate governance. By providing material and technical support to communities, civil society organizations, and local institutions, USAID is helping to build democratic resiliency, increase citizen participation in democratic life, and bolster positive change, particularly in areas where the sense of marginalization and disenfranchisement may challenge a stable political transition.