Breadcrumb
Tunisia
The role of CSR
With a nominal per-capita income of 3,907 USD, Tunisia is considered a moderate-income country. Tunisia has numerous government programs to combat poverty, promote employment and education, and improve healthcare. Over the past few decades these programs have achieved some success at equalizing regional and social differences in the welfare of the Tunisian population.
Beyond the expectation that companies will comply with minimum standards under the law, the topic of corporate social responsibility does not receive a great deal of attention in Tunisia, since the government has been quite successful at dealing with such issues as education and poverty. The state and society are not calling upon companies to engage in specific CSR activities.
Nevertheless, over the past few years more and more foreign and Tunisian export-based companies have been voluntarily taking into account social needs and environmental concerns in their business activities. In most cases, however, such efforts are not strategically planned or motivated by philanthropic concerns, but are a response to demands by parent companies or international customers. In order to protect their reputations, brand-name manufacturers ensure that their suppliers not only comply with official environmental and social standards, but also contribute in other areas, such as healthcare or training for their workers.
CSR understanding
In general, politicians and society at large expect companies to be profitable and to manufacture products that benefit society.
Expectations towards companies
Expectations of German companies focus primarily on vocational training, the creation of secure jobs and environmental protection.
It is assumed that German companies will comply with statutory standards in the social arena. In the area of vocational training, their practices are expected to conform to Germany's dual system, which in itself ensures high standards. Ongoing further training is offered with the goal of maintaining the employability of the company’s personnel. In addition, the government encourages companies to participate in efforts to improve the quality of the vocational training system, for example by serving on committees or boards and sharing their experiences.
In the area of environmental protection, German companies are expected to set a good example and apply the good practices they bring from Germany to the Tunisian context. This may inspire others to emulate them as well as providing access to expertise in energy conservation, the use of renewable sources of energy and recycling, among other fields.
Companies are also expected to provide regular grants and donations to promote national development, sometimes as part of the national solidarity fund, known as 26-26. This fund, which is supported by voluntary donations, finances infrastructure projects such as roads, healthcare centers and schools for disadvantaged areas. In some cases German companies also support local charitable initiatives on site.
Basic conditions
Government regulations – Implementation of international regulations
ILO
Tunisia has ratified all eight ILO core labor standards, and they are largely reflected in Tunisian labor law.
In some cases, however, their implementation does not meet international standards. Particular mention should be made of the following:
- The antagonistic attitude of private industry toward unions
- Restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Education on the right of teachers to strike
- Repeated interference with the work of the journalists’ union Syndicat National des Journalistes Tunisiens (SNJT)
- Police action (2004 - 2006) against members of the former union of journalists Syndicat des Journalistes Tunisiens (SJT)
- Arrests and police force against unaccredited unions and demonstrators at the UGTT Congress, which was held in Monastir in 2006, and a delay in recognizing the union Confédération Générale Tunisienne du Travail
Source: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Tunisia, 2009
Economic initiatives – CSR tools for private industry
GLOBAL COMPACT network
The local network was established in September 2005 and includes 37 members (as of May 2010).
On-site contact/Network focal point
Mr. Mohammed Ennaceur
social.consult (at) planet (dot) tn
http://www.unglobalcompact.org/NetworksAroundTheWorld/
local_network_sheet/TN.html
Areas of activity
Poverty
Basic information
- Life expectancy: Total population: 75.8 years; men: 74 years; women: 77.7 years (2009 est.)
- Infant mortality: Total: 22.6 deaths/1,000 births; boys: 24.8 deaths/1,000 births; girls: 20.2 deaths/1,000 births (2009 est.)
- Malnutrition (children under the age of 5): 4% (2005)
- Access to clean water: 94% (2006)
- Access to sanitary facilities: 85% (2006)
- Human Poverty Index: 65th of 108 (2009)
- Gini Index: 40 (2004)
- Population below the poverty line: 3.8% (2005 est.)
Tunisia has made great progress in fighting poverty over the past few decades. Only 3.8 percent of the population now lives below the national poverty line; in 1985 the figure was 11.5 percent. The Tunisian government has achieved this success by promoting regional and business development. With a nominal per-capital income of 3,907 USD (2008), Tunisia can be classified as a moderate-income country.
Company examples
Organic farming and the development of a sustainable tourism industry in southwestern Tunisia
Under two public-private partnerships, GTZ and the German-Swiss trading company Vita Terra are helping to train 120 date farmers in the underdeveloped southwestern region of Tunisia. By introducing organic cultivation and harvesting methods and a quality-management system, the farmers can gain access to better market opportunities and command higher prices. Farmers in the southern part of the country, which gets little rain, are especially hard-hit by the effects of climate change. A second project will establish an ecologically friendly guesthouse and visitors’ programs as a way for farmers and their families to earn extra income in order to ensure that they can earn a living even if the drought situation worsens.
www.vitaterra.com
Promoting new IT businesses
Siemens Tunisia is one of the largest technology providers in the Tunisian market; one in two telephone calls uses Siemens technology. An important factor in a successful IT business is to have well trained engineers and technicians, also in management positions, so that the company can offer complex solutions at competitive prices. In addition to training its own employees, Siemens actively supports the creation of spinoff IT companies by young entrepreneurs, which enhances the quality of up- and downstream services. A spinoff that develops prepaid software, for example, has created 70 new jobs.
www.siemens.com.tn
A high rate of unemployment among young people and university graduates, reaching 50 percent in some areas, remains a problem. The overall unemployment rate is also relatively high – 15 percent. Accordingly, the problem of poverty can best be addressed by working to increase employment; this is also in keeping with EU policy on migration. Companies can encourage employment by taking steps such as the following:
- German companies can create jobs by locating in underdeveloped areas.
- Buying from Tunisian suppliers of agricultural products or wool, for example, also creates jobs.
- If Tunisian companies want to attract European and international customers, they need to invest in quality-assurance systems. This leads to long-term market success and guarantees stable jobs. German companies can help develop such quality-assurance systems targeted to specific industries.
- Opening up new “green” business areas such as ecotourism and renewable sources of energy can help to increase employment.
Participants
ANETI, Agence Nationale pour l’Emploi et le Travail Indépendant
Tunisia’s state employment agency, which helps people find jobs and encourages new businesses.
www.emploi.nat.tn
Banque Tunisienne de Solidarité
State-run bank that promotes the creation of new businesses and provides microloans.
www.bts.com.tn
Enda inter-arabe
Tunisian microfinance institution. This NGO has provided over 500,000 small-scale loans to 178,000 families since 1995.
www.endarabe.org.tn
Education
The Tunisian government sets aside roughly 20 percent of its budget for education, which has made it possible to achieve a relatively high-quality school system. Schools are free, and attendance is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16.
Basic information
- Public spending on education (share of GDP): 7.3% (2006)
- Compulsory school attendance: 6–16 years
- Rate of school enrollment: 96% of boys, 97% of girls (2003-2008)
- Literacy (definition: individuals ≥15 years of age who can read and write): Total population: 74.3%; men: 83.4%; women: 65.3% (2004)
- HDI Education Index: 98th of 177: 0.772 (1=max., 0=no education, 2007)
Tunisia's rate of school attendance is very high; 96 percent of boys and 97 percent of girls are enrolled in school, and 95 percent of boys and 93 percent of girls attend regularly. Thanks to the efforts of the government, the rate of illiteracy among young people is low: Only three percent of male and six percent of female Tunisians between the ages of 15 and 24 are unable to read and write adequately.
Company examples
German companies are offering basic and further training within the framework of PPP projects in cooperation with GTZ and the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) in Tunisia. This makes them attractive employers and is an advantage in hiring and retaining the best young job candidates.
Van Laack Tunisie
The apparel manufacturer Van Laack, which employs a workforce of roughly 800, operates a state-accredited training center, Centre Bisertex, where it has been training its own personnel as well as employees of other companies for middle-management positions since 2001. After completing their training, these employees can be assigned to production, technical production planning or quality assurance. Van Laack launched this initiative after recognizing that the technicians on site did not have the skills they needed.
To improve the training system, Van Laack is working closely together with state-run vocational schools on trainee programs and professional development for teachers in vocational schools. The management of Van Laack Tunisie has also been involved for many years in various forums and committees seeking to improve training in schools and companies.
http://tunesien.ahk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/
pdf_dateien/ppp_gtz/ppp_bisertex_de.pdf
Aldiana Tunisia
The holiday resort Aldiana in Nabeul has recognized that basic and further training for its employees is the key to quality assurance and thus also to successful competition. To optimize the in-company portion of the training program, hotel managers, representatives of vocational schools and experts have drawn up training curricula for a variety of careers in the hotel industry. Following a test phase at the Aldiana, the curricula are now being used nationwide. Ongoing dialogue between hotels and the state-run hotel management schools regarding the length, content and practical aspects of training has played a particularly important role in this context.
http://tunesien.ahk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/
pdf_dateien/ppp_gtz/ppp_aldiana-de.pdf
Elektro Diesel Tunisie / Bosch
Today’s automobiles rely on sophisticated electronic components. To be able to maintain and repair these cars, automobile mechanics need to undergo training on a regular basis. Because their instructors lack the most current knowledge, state-run training centers are not yet able to offer the necessary training programs. Accordingly, Bosch Germany has been involved in opening a modern training center in Tunis, which trains employees and instructors from the company Electro Diesel Tunisie (EDT), the Tunisian partner of Bosch Automotive, as well as employees of all car repair shops in Tunisia that use Bosch parts. In addition, EDT has entered into a partnership with the state-run training center for the automotive sector, located in Tunis, with the goal of achieving a greater impact.
http://tunesien.ahk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/
pdf_dateien/ppp_gtz/ppp_bosch_de.pdf
Tunisia’s system of vocational training and higher education puts little emphasis on practical skills: Training is classroom-based and theoretical, and most university graduates require several months of in-company training before they are fully capable of doing their jobs. To stay competitive, companies need qualified employees at every level – skilled workers, technicians and engineers. The primary focus for German companies, therefore, should be on providing practical training to meet the needs of industry.
Participants
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GTZ)
http://www.gtz.de/en/weltweit/maghreb-naher-osten/681.htm
German-Tunisian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Tunisia)
Contact for Tunisian and German companies regarding issues of basic and further training
www.ahktunis.org
Ministry of Education and Vocational Training
Government ministry that plans, finances and implements the government’s educational initiatives.
http://www.education.tn/, http://www.edunet.tn/
Health
Tunisia has a relatively high-quality public health system and a growing number of private healthcare providers. There are 2,068 public healthcare centers that offer basic medical care, 118 regional hospitals, 34 district hospitals and 22 university hospitals. These facilities are evenly distributed throughout the country, so 95 percent of the population has access to medical care within five kilometers (WHO, 2006). Medical personnel receive high-quality training, and the public hospitals are well equipped for surgery and diagnosis. Private hospitals, most of which are located near Tunis, are comparable to European standards and affordable only for wealthy Tunisians and foreign patients.
Basic information
- Public spending on health (share of GDP): 5.1% (2006)
- Medical care: 116 physicians per 100,000 people (2008)
- Life expectancy: Total population: 75.8 years; men: 74 years; women: 77.7 years (2009 est.)
- Infant mortality: Total: 22.6 deaths/1,000 births; boys: 24.8 deaths/1,000 births; girls: 20.2 deaths/1,000 births (2009 est.)
- Maternal mortality: 170 deaths/100,000 births (2005)
- Malnutrition (children under the age of 5): 4% (2005)
- HIV/AIDS prevalence (>15 years of age): 0.1 % (2007)
- HIV/AIDS sufferers: between 2,700 and 5,400 (2007 est.)
Most salaried workers in Tunisia and their families have health insurance that covers medical treatment. Those under the poverty line have access to free medical care, while low-income families are charged reduced prices. However, some expenses – such as medications – are paid for out of pocket, which places a great burden on low-income families.
Participants
Ministry of Public Health
The ministry oversees all institutions within the public health system.
http://www.santetunisie.rns.tn/msp_eng/identification.html
There are numerous opportunities for German companies to become involved. Obviously, they can provide insurance coverage for their own employees. Benefits such as health education in the workplace, regular medical checkups for employees and vaccinations are appreciated. It is important for companies to work closely together with the existing, well-organized entities that are active in the healthcare system.
In addition, companies might participate in public campaigns to raise awareness and disseminate information about such issues as addiction and HIV/AIDS.
Political involvement
Because of the authoritarian nature of the government, companies are strongly discouraged from making any public comments on political subjects or becoming actively involved in this area.
Basic information
- The voting age in Tunisia is 20
Since gaining independence, Tunisia has been under authoritarian rule. The country has major weaknesses when it comes to democracy, the rule of law and pluralism, some of them quite serious. The ruling party Rassemblement Constitutionnel Démocratique permits no real opposition and dominates the judicial system. Any political activity that deviates from the party line is suppressed. The stability of the system is maintained by means of a dense network of control. The press and the Internet are subject to government surveillance, and police and security agents are omnipresent. The greatest risk to stability at present lies in the possibility of a change at the top, since Tunisia’s President Ben Ali, who has been in office since 1988, is over 70 years old.
Because of Tunisia’s progress in fighting poverty, furthering economic development and supporting the middle class by providing affordable loans, most Tunisians have been willing to conform to the political realities of their country.
Participation in society
Basic information
- Women as a percentage of the workforce: Approximately 30%
- Ethnic groups: Arab (98%), European (1%), other (1%)
Within the region, Tunisia is seen as a model for the participation of women and minorities in society. Women enjoy equal rights, for the most part, and are active in business and political life. According to German businesspeople, women tend to be more dependable and productive employees, and they also do well in high-ranking positions. However, family pressures sometimes bring women’s careers to an abrupt end.
Tunisians are also relatively tolerant of other religious and ethnic groups; however, this does not mean accepting these groups’ political activities. In addition, Tunisia has associations and projects that focus on the needs of the disabled and chronically ill.
Of a total of roughly 9,000 registered NGOs in Tunisia, only about ten are truly independent, according to local human rights groups. Critical journalists, opponents of the regime and independent human rights activities have a very difficult time of it in Tunisia.
Participants
Association des Parents et Amis des Handicapés de Tunisie (APAHT)
Association of parents and friends of the disabled in Tunisia
http://www.elqantara.org/de/dienste/partner/apaht/
Association pour la Formation et l'Insertion des Handicapés (AFIH)
Association for educating and integrating the disabled
http://www.elqantara.org/de/dienste/partner/afih/
Union Tunisienne d'Aide aux Insuffisants Mentaux (UTAIM)
Tunisian union for the mentally disabled
http://www.utaim.planet.tn/ac_fichiers/v3_slide0001.htm
There are numerous government-supported organizations, such as the Union Nationale de la Femme Tunisienne. The unions in Tunisia are controlled by the state and have little influence.
Mention should be made of an organization without close ties to the government, which is subject to close scrutiny: the Association Tunisienne des Femmes Démocrates (ATFD).
Tunisia has small Catholic and Jewish congregations. The Catholic diocese has a website: http://www.diocesetunisie.org/francese/pagfr/mainfr.htm
Symposiums on religious, cultural, social and regional policy issues are regularly held by foreign organizations such as the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in cooperation with domestic organizations and associations. This creates a semi-public space where both sides can bring up topics of interest.
There is no statutory provision regarding worker codetermination, but court decisions on labor issues have been relatively worker-friendly, so conflicts within companies are rare. Overall, there is a high level of social peace in Tunisia.
Company examples
Siemens AG
Siemens in Tunisia fulfills its social responsibilities by encouraging a variety of community initiatives. One example is the TIC & Handicap conference that was held in May 2006 on the topic of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for people with disabilities.
http://www.siemens.com/pool/regions/tunesien2001de_230393.pdf
Opportunities and risks
Tunisia’s open-minded society allows women to enter the workplace on an equal footing with men. It is not unusual for women to occupy positions of leadership. Similarly, there is little problem integrating people from different ethnic backgrounds and the disabled into the workplace. This relatively high level of tolerance, by comparison with other countries in the region, offers opportunities for engagement by German companies. Political issues, however, should be avoided.
Environment
Environmental protection is a central focus for the Tunisian government. Primary concerns include the development of renewable sources of energy, conservation of the country’s scarce water resources,the prevention of further soil erosion and desertification, and efficient waste disposal.
Basic information
- CO2 emissions: 23.2 million metric tons (2005)
- CO2 emissions per capita: 2.32 metric tons (2005)
- Electricity consumption: 11.8 billion kWh (2008)
- Water consumption: Total: 26.4 km3/year; per capita: 276 m3/year (2000)
- Renewable sources of energy: 0.6% of primary energy consumption (2008)
German environmental technology is highly regarded in Tunisia, although German companies have so far shown little involvement in this area. German expertise might be useful in the following areas:
- Water/sewage treatment (desalinization systems, osmosis equipment, wastewater treatment plans for household and industrial sewage)
- Waste disposal (including hazardous waste)
- Emission control (in all industrial sectors and especially in the cement industry)
- Energy generation (including renewable sources of energy, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, wind energy, measurement technology, co-processing in the cement industry)
- Land reclamation/remediation of contaminated sites
- Noise control
- Certification and training in environmental management (environmental management systems based on ISO 14001; Tunisia is seeking to certify 500 companies under ISO 14001 by the year 2014. So far only about 50 companies have achieved this goal.)
German companies in Tunisia can highlight their exemplary environmental record (ecologically compatible production, ISO 14001, use of environmental technologies, recycling, efficient use of resources, etc.) and serve as a positive example for other enterprises.
Company examples
Grüschow Entsorgung & Umwelttechnik GmbH
With the help of DEG and a local partner, Société Agri-Services, the German company Grüschow Entsorgung & Umwelttechnik GmbH has built a sorting and composting plant for household waste in the city of Korba, located on Tunisia’s coast.
http://www.developpp.de/download/ppp_report_19_april_2006.pdf
Henkel
Henkel has developed a laundry detergent that is suitable for the semi-automatic washing machines commonly used in Tunisia. “Nadhif Semi-Automatic” prevents excessive sudsing and is easy to rinse out, which helps conserve water.
http://www.henkel.de/nachhaltigkeit/wasch-reinigungsmittel-14143.htm
They can also make a difference by acting as sponsors, for example for public parks, or by providing support for reforestation projects.
Opportunities and risks
Tunisia wants to be a leader in the Maghreb region in the area of environmental protection, and is counting on German expertise to help it achieve that goal. However, companies need to be prepared for long, drawn-out negotiations and administrative hurdles. They are well advised to enter into partnerships with local companies.
Participants
Agence de protection et d’aménagement du Littoral (APAL)
APAL is the agency charged with protecting Tunisia’s coast.
http://www.apal.nat.tn/infoglueDeliverWorking/ViewPaged196.html?siteNodeId=72&languageId=4&contentId=-1
Agence nationale de gestion des déchets (ANGED)
The national waste management agency ANGED is responsible for planning landfills and providing advice on waste disposal.
http://www.anged.nat.tn/home.php
Agence nationale de la maîtrise de l’énergie (ANME)
The energy agency ANME is under the authority of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Small and Medium Enterprises.
http://www.anme.nat.tn/index.asp
Agence nationale de protection de l’environnement (ANPE)
ANPE is Tunisia’s national environmental protection agency.
http://www.anpe.nat.tn/
Centre International des Technologies de l'Environnement de Tunis (CITET)
The international center for environmental technologies in Tunis is responsible for education and advice on environmental issues.
http://www.citet.nat.tn/
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GTZ)
GTZ promotes renewable sources of energy and measures for increasing energy efficiency.
http://www.gtz.de/en/weltweit/maghreb-naher-osten/tunesien/7705.htm
MEDREC
Agency for promoting renewable sources of energy in the Mediterranean region.
http://www.medrec.org/en/about_medrec.php
Office national de l’assainissement (ONAS)
The sanitation authority ONAS is responsible for reducing water pollution and protecting water resources.
http://www.onas.nat.tn/fr/index.php
Société Nationale d’Exploitation et de Distribution des Eaux (SONEDE)
SONEDE is Tunisia’s state institution responsible for the supply of drinking water.
http://www.sonede.com.tn/
Ministry of the Environment
http://www.environnement.nat.tn/index.html
Data & facts
Further links
- Bertelsmann Transformation Index, Tunisia
- Corruption Perception Index, Tunisia
- Country information, Tunisia
- Country office UNDP, Tunisia
- German Embassy, Tunis
- German-Tunisian Chamber of Commerce
- GTZ in Tunisia
- Human Development Index, Tunisia
- Industry association UTICA (Union Tunisienne de l'Industrie, du Commerce et de l'Artisanat)
- Information on Tunisia, German Federal Foreign Office, Berlin