New Report Highlights Opportunities for UK–Tunisia Collaboration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

A new report from NCEE commissioned by the British Council, sets out a bold framework for strengthening higher education collaboration between the UK and Tunisia in entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development.

Opportunities for UK–Tunisia Higher Education Partnerships identifies eleven actionable initiatives to enhance enterprise and employability through joint university programmes, enterprise centre partnerships, and research collaborations. Examples include the creation of twinning arrangements between university enterprise centres in both countries and shared startup incubation spaces to support women entrepreneurs and student-led innovation in areas such as agri-tech, green technologies, and digital transformation.

Tunisia’s higher education system—the largest in North Africa—is rapidly evolving, supported by government reforms and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. The report highlights how UK universities can co-create programmes with Tunisian partners to build leadership capacity, expand access to global markets, and create employment pathways for graduates.

Ceri Nursaw, NCEE Chief Executive, said:

“This partnership demonstrates how higher education can act as a bridge for shared innovation, global enterprise, and inclusive growth. The report shows how collaboration between UK and Tunisian universities can translate ambition into real economic and social impact.”

Jill Coates, Director of the British Council in Tunisia, added:

“This report highlights the strength and potential of the partnership between Tunisia and the UK in higher education and entrepreneurship. By bringing together the creativity and innovation of both systems, we can help develop the skills and opportunities needed for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

As global interest in entrepreneurial education grows, NCEE invites universities, policymakers, and industry partners to explore new collaborations inspired by the Tunisia–UK model — building international connections that empower innovators, advance gender equality, and strengthen higher education systems worldwide.

NCEE extends sincere thanks to the British Council teams in the UK and Tunisia, the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Universities of Manouba, Sousse, Jendouba, Tunis and Carthage, Leeds, Liverpool John Moores, Anglia Ruskin and Harper Adams for their generous collaboration and insight. Their contributions have been invaluable in shaping this forward-looking report.

Read the full report: UK-Tunisia Higher Education Partnerships – A Roadmap for Entrepreneurship and Innovation