FY 2024 Tunisia Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | November 2024 Acknowledgements The Tunisia Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Tunisia country team and independent field agency, SIGMA. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Estelle Allano (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Riadh Ammari (Communications Consultant), who coordinated the survey-related activities. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Tunisia World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Tunisia Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how Tunisia stakeholders perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are they with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Tunisia’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past six years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Tunisia? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Tunisia? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 31% ▪ Fielded May – September 2024 ▪ 447 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Media 16% ▪ Respondents via an online platform or phone interviews ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and Private Sector 15% supplemented by the field agency ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Civil Society Organization 11% ▪ 112 participants (25% response rate) Academia / Research Centers / ▪ 82% from the Capital area Think tanks 9% ▪ 70% currently collaborate with the WBG Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 8% ▪ Compared to FY18 Country Survey ▪ 198 participants (18% response rate) Office of the President, Head 7% ▪ 27% collaborated with the WBG of Government, Minister Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Local Government Office or 3% Staff What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=112) 5 6 Overall Context “In my opinion, the most important thing the World Bank could do to increase its effectiveness in Tunisia would be to focus on developing the transport and infrastructure sector. This includes setting up efficient metro systems and other means of transport and ensuring that they follow timetables thanks to mobile applications and digitalization. […] It would also be crucial to digitalize the administration to reduce bureaucracy and improve the efficiency of public services. Secondly, it would be vital to strengthen the healthcare sector by investing in modern infrastructure and technology. Finally, it would also be essential to build strong partnerships between the private and public sectors to stimulate economic and social development.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? (N=68) Significantly Higher Familiarity with the WBG ▪ Comparison of FY24 and FY18: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported significantly higher levels of All Respondents 7.8 familiarity with the World Bank compared to respondents in the FY18 Survey: Private Sector 8.1 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 7.8 FY18 = 5.2 Media 7.9 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Bilateral /Multilateral Agency 7.9 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 8.3 Do not collaborate = 6.7 Government Institutions 7.9 ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from the private sector indicated slightly higher levels of familiarity with the WBG, whereas civil Academia 7.3 society and academia respondents reported the lowest familiarity with its work. Civil Society 7.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Tunisia? 7 Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar Stakeholders Most Familiar with the WBG ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to indicate their familiarity with the work of several international organizations and the World Bank Group. Of these World Bank Group 7.8 organizations, respondents in Tunisia indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the WBG, followed by the European Union 7.7 European Union and the United Nations. Respondents were least familiar with the work of the African Development Bank. United Nations 7.0 International Monetary Fund 6.8 Islamic Development Bank 6.3 (IsDB) African Development Bank 4.5 (AfDB) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity 8 Q How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Tunisia? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 9 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “The WB is a reliable and credible partner. It can contribute to the improvement of several sectors. It must contribute more to the development of PPP.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q Please share what comes to your mind about the World Bank Group in Tunisia. Why do you have this perception? (N=57) Perceptions of the WBG’s Effectiveness, Alignment and Relevance Improved Significantly In FY24, respondents gave significantly higher ratings for Effectiveness in helping Tunisia 6.8 the WBG's effectiveness in helping Tunisia achieve achieve results^* 5.5 development results, alignment with development priorities and relevance than in FY18. Aligned with development 6.7 priorities* 5.4 6.7 Relevant role in development* 6.0 FY24 FY18 Positive influence on shaping 6.5 development policy 6.0 Helps end poverty in Tunisia 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How effective is the WBG in helping Tunisia achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Mean Rating Q ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY18: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Tunisia. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development resul ts in Tunisia? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree between years The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 10 The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Bilateral/Multilateral Agencies, Effectiveness in helping 6.3 7.0 7.1 Government Institutions, and Tunisia achieve results^ 6.6 6.5 7.0 Academia Respondents Have 6.6 8.1 More Positive Views of the Relevant role in development 6.6 6.4 6.4 WBG 6.8 Government Institutions 6.8 7.2 Bilateral /Multilateral Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators Aligned with development 6.2 Agency between stakeholder groups show that priorities 6.4 6.6 Civil Society bilateral/multilateral agencies, government institutions, 7.0 and academia respondents tended to give higher ratings Private Sector 6.4 for many key indicators of the WBG’s performance. In 7.3 contrast, respondents from civil society tended to give Positive influence on shaping 6.3 Academia lower ratings. development policy 6.4 7.1 6.0 Media 6.1 7.2 Helps to end poverty in 5.4 Tunisia 5.3 6.2 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. 11 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 7.3 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Effectiveness in helping Tunisia 6.1 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- to achieve results* 5.5 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 7.3 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Alignment with development 5.8 WBG, the more positive perceptions they have of the priorities* WBG and its work. 5.3 7.2 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Relevant role in development* 5.8 to increase positive perceptions. 5.3 6.9 Positive influence on shaping 5.7 development policy* 6.4 6.4 Helps end poverty in Tunisia* 5.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Tunisia? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How effective is the WBG in helping Tunisia achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective *Significant difference between Q The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree levels of familiarity The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Tunisia. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 12 Tunisia’s KPIs are Somewhat Lower than Other IBRD Countries Surveyed in FY24 6.9 Effectiveness in helping achieve 7.4 results 7.2 6.7 Aligned with development priorities 7.3 7.2 6.7 Tunisia FY24 Relevant role in development 7.2 7.1 Morocco FY24 Other IBRD FY24* 6.5 Positive influence on shaping 7.3 development policy 7.1 6.0 Helps end poverty 6.1 6.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating *FY24 Other IBRD countries: Equatorial Guinea, Vietnam, Georgia, Moldova, Poland,, Croatia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Q GCC, Morocco, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Seychelles, Uruguay, Namibia 13 Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from bilateral/multilateral agencies and media have the highest mean rating across the aggregated responses to the eighteen COS indicator questions, All Respondents* 6.7 whereas civil society respondents had significantly lower ratings. Bilateral /Multilateral Agency 7.6 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave Media 7.0 significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG: Government Institutions 6.8 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.2 Academia 6.5 Do not collaborate = 5.7 Private Sector 6.4 Civil Society 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions *Significant difference between stakeholder groups Q All Indicator Questions asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 14 15 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “Provide more funding and more support to meet the needs of priority sectors such as education, transport, health, innovation, and the ecological transition.... funding must be used as part of a global approach that impacts an entire sector, an entire region, or all citizens, depending on the nature of the project. We must avoid funding projects that focus on partial or incomplete solutions. This means strengthening monitoring and control mechanisms for project development and implementation and increasing the participation of local authorities and the private sector.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q How do you think the World Bank Group can best contribute to the Tunisian development priorities? (N=68) Agriculture / food security 43% WBG: Focal Development Areas Climate change 39% Transport infrastructure 38% In FY24, agriculture/food security, climate change, transport infrastructure, water/sanitation, and digital Water / sanitation 35% infrastructure development were among the top areas Digital infrastructure development 34% where stakeholders would like the WBG to focus its resources. Education 31% The top development priorities to focus on have notably Energy 30% shifted since FY18, with transport infrastructure, climate, and water security elevating from the bottom of Public sector governance 30% the list. Private sector development 28% Macroeconomic stability 22% How do you think the World Bank Group can best Jobs 20% contribute to the Tunisian development priorities? Social inclusion 20% “- Capacity building, - Grant financing for infrastructure Environment / natural resource 19% projects, - Support the public sector to improve its management governance, - Facilitate private sector access to financing, - Health / pandemic preparedness 18% Establish a program to combat climate change.” (Office of the President, Head of Government, Skills development 18% Minister Respondent) Social protection 13% Urban development 7% Disaster risk management 6% Gender equity 5% Q Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Tunisia? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=109) 16 Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in social inclusion, gender equity, and public sector Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth governance received the highest effectiveness ratings and improved compared to FY18 ratings. Public sector governance* 6.1 5.5 Access to finance 6.0 Human Development Private sector development* 6.0 5.3 6.2 Social inclusion* 5.1 5.8 Macroeconomic stability 6.1 5.6 Gender equity* 5.3 Debt sustainability FY24 Job creation / employment 5.6 FY18 6.1 FY24 5.2 Social protection* 4.7 FY18 Improved competitiveness 5.6 5.7 Health 5.0 5.6 Business regulation 5.6 Regional integration 5.6 Education 5.2 5.5 Trade 5.2 Infrastructure 5.4 6.1 Environmental Sustainability Digital development 5.7 Energy / extractives* 6.0 5.9 5.3 Agriculture and food security 5.4 Water supply and sanitation infrastructure* 6.0 5.2 5.9 Climate change* 4.9 FY24 Transport 5.9 FY24 5.4 FY18 FY18 Environment / natural resource 5.7 Urban development 5.5 *Significant difference 5.2 management 5.1 between years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Tunisia? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 17 18 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Tunisia “Set up more human resources to monitor its projects very closely, recruiting more local resources and Tunisian skills in particular. Expand the bank's office in Tunisia.” (Office of the Head of Government or Office of a Minister Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? (N=68) The WBG Increasingly Seen as an Accessible Long-Term Partner In FY24, respondents' perception of the WBG as a development partner on all indicators has significantly Being a long-term partner to 7.8 improved. Respondents view the WBG as a long-term Tunisia* 6.7 partner that is significantly more accessible, open, responsive, and flexible than in FY18. Access to WBG staff and 6.9 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG experts* 5.5 could do to help increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? “To increase its effectiveness in Tunisia, the World Bank Group should focus on tailoring development initiatives to address Openness (sharing data and 6.8 specific socio-economic challenges in the country. This involves other information)* FY24 6.0 engaging with local communities, understanding their needs, FY18 and designing projects that promote sustainable development. Collaboration with the Tunisian government, Responsiveness to needs in 6.8 non-governmental organizations, and local stakeholders is crucial for successful implementation. Additionally, emphasizing Tunisia* 5.6 capacity building, education, and healthcare projects can contribute to long-term economic growth and poverty reduction in Tunisia. Regular evaluation and adaptation of strategies 6.7 Flexibility when circumstances based on local feedback will enhance the World Bank Group's change in Tunisia* 5.4 impact in the region.” (Government Institution Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference between years ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY18. 19 Perceptions of the WBG’s Collaboration with Stakeholders Notably Improved In FY24, respondents reported the highest ratings for the 7.3 National government* 6.7 WBG’s collaboration with the national government and other development partners. Perceptions of the WBG’s 7.3 collaboration with civil society and the private sector Other development partners* 5.5 improved notably since FY18. 6.7 Private sector* 5.1 6.5 Media* In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG FY24 could do to help increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 6.3 FY18 CBOs)* 5.0 “[The WBG should] revive the annual "deep dive" exercise, a Academia / research centers 6.2 good practice which not only serves to focus on the physical and / think tanks financial progress of projects but also to create a network of executing agencies (UGOs). This network will enable these 6.0 UGOs to exchange experiences and best practices.” Local government (Government Institution Respondent) 5.1 Parliament 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Tunisia, in terms of collaborating with the following *Significant difference Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree between years 20 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with the Private Sector Private sector 45% Respondents in this year’s survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with the private sector, local government, and academia in addition to its Local government 35% partnership with the national government. Academia / research 33% centers / think tanks Civil society (e.g., NGOs, In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG 21% CBOs) could do to help increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? “Involve scientific research (Tunisian researchers) in its programs. Launch media programs to present projects, Parliament 18% achievements, mechanisms, etc.” (Media Respondent) Other development 17% “Working directly with the private sector to establish partners participatory programs that align with their actual needs is crucial. Using intermediary bodies risks deviating from the initial goals and reducing the effectiveness of the intervention.” Tunisia’s Central Bank 11% (Private Sector Respondent) Media 10% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Tunisia? (Select 21 up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=101) 22 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “In terms of knowledge production, focus more on development prospects: 1. Conditions for macroeconomic stabilization and ways out of the crisis (international benchmarking, scenarios, balance of risks, etc.). 2. Priority reforms and short- and medium-term measures. 3. Economic governance. Financing: strengthen P4R programs and provide for multi-year financial programming.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? (N=68) Technical Assistance and Implementation Support Considered the Bank’s Greatest Value Technical assistance and 54% Technical assistance and implementation support implementation support (54%) and financial resources (44%) were also highly valued instruments of the WBG in Tunisia. Financial resources 44% Knowledge and analytical products 28% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? Capacity development and training 23% “- Facilitate access to documentation (create a direct access platform or revise the structure of the French- language website) - Increase the number of events open to the public and the Mobilizing third party financial 16% media resources - Increase media exposure for WBG experts and representatives - Provide technical support and ongoing training in Convening / bringing together 14% economic issues for journalists and civil society through different groups of stakeholders information sessions and debates.” (Media Respondent) Development partners coordination 12% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Tunisia? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=111) 23 WBG’s Financing Conditions are Competitive Compared to Markets Perceptions of the WBG’s financial instruments have The conditions of the WBG’s 7.2 improved significantly in most questions. Respondents had financing are competitive compared to markets the highest levels of agreement that the WBG’s financing conditions are competitive to markets and that the WBG The WBG effectively monitors 7.0 effectively monitors and evaluates projects it supports. and evaluates the projects it supports in Tunisia* 6.3 ▪ Of note, civil society respondents gave the lowest ratings for the WBG’s ESF requirements being reasonable (mean The WBG insists on 6.9 = 4.3). accountability through its lending FY24 The WBG’s Environmental and 6.6 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG FY18 Social Framework requirements could do to help increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? are reasonable* 5.6 “This means, firstly, working more closely with the private sector (via IFC in particular). Secondly, in relations with the public 6.6 The WBG provides financial authorities, a more focused approach on certain themes, limiting support in a timely manner^* "simple" budgetary support.” 5.3 (Private Sector Respondent) The WBG’s financial 6.4 “Be closer to all economic partners and more open to instruments meet the needs of opportunities for young startups lacking investment and support.” Tunisia* 5.4 (Government Institutions Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significant difference Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY18 between years 24 WBG Knowledge Work is Perceived More Positively The WBG brings global expertise to Tunisia 7.4 Most of the knowledge indicators significantly improved as part of its knowledge work* 6.4 since FY18. Respondents agreed the most strongly that WBG brings global expertise to Tunisia as part of its Working with the WBG increases Tunisia’s 7.4 knowledge work and that working with the WBG institutional capacity* 6.0 increases Tunisia’s institutional capacity (significant improvement since FY18). I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 7.2 knowledge work in Tunisia ▪ As with other aspects of WBG’s work in Tunisia, respondents from civil society have the lowest ratings The WBG’s publications are translated 6.9 enough into local language(s)* 5.8 compared to other stakeholder groups (overall mean = 6.2). FY24 Knowledge work contribution to 6.8 development results* FY18 5.9 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in 6.8 The WBG’s knowledge work is timely* Tunisia? 6.2 “Better identification of needs and adaptation to context The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 6.8 avoid copying and pasting experiences (especially projects) Tunisia’s context* 5.9 from other countries. Better involvement of the administration as a partner rather than as a source of data evaluation based When I need to consult the WBG’s 6.8 on the use of reports and studies to generate knowledge knowledge work, I know how to find it (application of recommendations).” (Office of the Head of Government or Office of a Minister) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work make to development results in Tunisia? *Significant difference between years Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to "Are a source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY18. 25 ^^Compared to "Are adaptable to Tunisia’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY18 26 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Tunisia “Better understand Tunisian society, be a better listener, adapt to the local context, and reverse the approach by finding formulas adapted to Tunisians. Change working methods to change public perception. The WBG is still very elitist and closed-minded. We need to open up to others. The WBG needs to work on its attractiveness to win over as many people as possible.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? (N=68) How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Operational • Better alignment with government priorities Engagement • Work directly with local entities and national development needs 23% • Better communication with the institutions Effectiveness • Adapt its programs more to the local context involved in the projects 24%* • Simplify procedures • Work more closely with other developmental partners Operational Engagement Effectiveness Knowledge • A more open knowledge sharing Focus Area • Education and health • Collaboration with various stakeholders in • Infrastructure development 9% knowledge production 15% • Strengthening governance and transparency • Skills development Knowledge Focus • Agriculture Area • Private sector development, better business environment Results Results • Collaborate more with local civil society Communica and government for better needs Financial 9% assessment Support tion Communication • Regular monitoring of the WBG- 10% • Raise awareness about WBG’s work in the population supported projects • Facilitate access to documents Financial support • Adapt financing to the local context • Share more information in French • To focus on project support over the budget support • Promote impact studies 10% • Fundings for SMEs and micro-projects In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? (N=68) Q *All percentages are counted based on the total number of topics mentioned by the respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they cover. 27 How Do You Think the WBG Can Best Contribute to the Development Priorities? Open-Ended Responses Agriculture / food security (43%) Top 5 Priorities for WBG’s Focus Transport infrastructure (38%) • Modernization of agricultural • Promoting public transport production • Increase funding • Technical support and training Agriculture / food security 43% • Helping the government in the • Help the government to plan long- development of a more efficient public term strategies Climate change 39% transport system Transport infrastructure 38% Climate change (39%) Water/sanitation (35%) • Rising awareness around the topic Water / sanitation 35% • Water use optimization • Support sustainable projects • Wastewater management • Introducing more efficient Digital infrastructure • Private sector involvement 34% agricultural models development Digital infrastructure development (34%) • Better project prioritization • Digitalization of public and administrative services • An improved internet connectivity Earlier in survey you have selected these development priorities for Tunisia. How do you think the World Bank Q Group can best contribute to these development priorities? (Please be specific) (N=69) Please Share What Comes To Your Mind About the WBG in Tunisia. Open-Ended Responses to pay attention neutral positive The WBG perception 26% 40% 33% • A majority of respondents shared positive (33%) and neutral (40%) “A financial institution that enjoys an excellent reputation. The clients of the World Bank perceptions of the WBG in Tunisia Group are leading companies in their fields and contribute to the development of the • Respondents value the WBG work and support but are inclined to country.” believe it is limited or not adapted to the Tunisian context (Private Sector Respondent) • Better communication about the WBG’s mission and its work in Tunisia is recommended to address comments marked as “to pay attention” “Lack of knowledge of how ministries work, which reduces the effectiveness of actions taken. Weak coordination between stakeholders and economic policies.” “When I think of the WBG in Tunisia, I imagine an international organization (Academia Respondent) committed to the economic and social development of the country. I see the WBG as a key player in promoting sustainable growth, reducing poverty, and improving Tunisians’ living conditions. Its projects cover various areas such as “A huge group whose traces are not perceptible to the general public. In my opinion, work education, health, infrastructure, and governance.” on communication and understanding the major and real concerns of the population is (Government Institution Respondent) required rather than working traditionally on state projects whose impact is not tangible to the population. In addition, a rapprochement especially towards young graduates and their “Collaboration in the framework of projects funded by the WBG is characterized concerns especially concerning employment and economic and social stability. Huge by rigor and efficiency. However, sometimes the funding is either insufficient or investment opportunities in these young people, a good number of whom are very talented diluted across several projects to the point of negatively affecting the expected and just waiting for good opportunities, are available to the WBG.” results.” (Government Institution Respondent) (Government Institution Respondent) Please share what comes to your mind about the World Bank Group in Tunisia. Why do you have this perception? Q (N=57) 30 Communication and Outreach “More needs to be done in terms of communication, the press, and strengthening links with civil society. There is a lack of information about the relationship between the parliament and the WBG.” (Media Respondent) “Better communication. Get closer to civil society. Get closer to the private sector, in particular SMEs, SMIs and SMIs.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Tunisia? (N=68) Events/conferences/seminars were Most Preferred for Receiving WBG Communications Respondents most preferred to receive WBG’s communications through event / conference / seminar, e-newsletters, and e-newsletter. Preferred WBG Channel Bilateral All Government /Multilateral Respondents Institutions Agency Civil Society Private Sector Academia Media Event / conference / seminar / 66.7% 65.9% 50.0% 70.0% 61.5% 87.5% 66.7% workshop (in person or online) e-Newsletters 47.9% 47.7% 16.7% 50.0% 61.5% 62.5% 40.0% Direct contact with staff (e.g., in 39.6% 36.4% 66.7% 40.0% 30.8% 25.0% 53.3% person, virtually, phone, email) Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, 24.0% 25.0% 0.0% 30.0% 23.1% 12.5% 33.3% Telegram, Viber) Social media (e.g., Facebook, 12.5% 13.6% 33.3% 10.0% 7.7% 12.5% 6.7% Twitter) How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=96) *Significant difference between stakeholder groups 31 7 in 10 Recall Information About the WBG Recently, Most Often Through Events and Direct Contact with Staff 73% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through events/conference/seminar, followed by direct contact with the WBG staff and social media. Event / conference / seminar 60% Direct contact with WBG staff 50% Social media 42% No 27% WBG websites 32% e-Newsletters 31% Do you recall seeing or hearing Radio 19% anything about the WBG Newspapers (print or online) 17% recently? Yes Television (TV) 13% 73% Direct messaging (e.g., 11% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Blogs 6% Podcasts 4% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=98) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=72) 32 WBG Work on Renewable Energy and Climate Change were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Renewable energy 56% Respondents most frequently recalled WBG’s work or research on renewable energy and climate change, Climate change 53% followed by human capital and WBG economic Human capital 33% forecasts. WBG economic forecasts 32% ▪ Private sector respondents were significantly more likely Addressing water scarcity 31% to recall WBG work on SME’s access to finance (75%) SMEs access to finance 29% than respondents from other stakeholder groups. Job creation / employment 28% Food security 26% Ending poverty in developing countries 22% Digital economy 22% Debt relief for developing countries 19% Women empowerment 11% Youth development 11% Pandemic preparedness 6% Changes to the WBG financial and 3% operational model What topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? (Select all that apply) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=72) 33 Climate Change Communications Can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: More Frequent and Severe Droughts and Water Availability/Quality Most respondents were very concerned about the more frequent and severe droughts and decreased water availability/quality in relation to the potential impacts of climate change in Tunisia. More frequent and severe heatwaves and land and forest degradation were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all More frequent and severe droughts 77% Decreased water availability / quality 76% More frequent and severe heatwaves 67% Land and forest degradation 60% Loss of jobs 53% Air pollution 47% Increased erosion of shoreline 44% Extinction of plant / animal species 42% Climate-driven migration 40% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 39% More frequent and severe floods 38% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Tunisia? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~88) 34 35 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=93) collaborate/work with the World Bank No Generalist (specialize in multiple sectors) 18% 30% Group (WBG) Other 17% in Tunisia? (N=112) Private sector development / trade 13% Education 10% Yes 70% Public sector governance 10% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt management 8% Agriculture and food security 5% Digital development 5% ICSID MIGA, 3% Environment / natural resource 4% 3% management Which of the Legal / human rights 2% following WBG IFC Transport 2% agencies do you 41% collaborate/work Water / sanitation 2% with in Tunisia? (N=78) Climate change 1% World Bank Urban development 1% (IBRD) 90% Social protection 1% Energy 1% 36 Sample Demographics (continued) What’s your age? (N=93) 25 or younger 2% Female 37% 26-35 4% What is your gender? 36-45 24% (N=93) Male 63% 46-55 35% 56 and above 34% Which best represents Capital 82% your geographic location? (N=92) Urban area 15% Rural area 3% 37 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2018 FY 2024 From May to September 2024, a total of 447 stakeholders in Tunisia were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A list of potential Government Principals: Office of the 8% 7% participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Participants were drawn from President, Head of Government, Minister the offices of the President, Head of Government, office of a minister, parliament, government institutions, Government Institutions: Employee of a local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the Ministry, Department, Project media. Implementation Unit, Independent 26% 31% Government Institution, Judiciary, State- Of these stakeholders, 112 participated in the survey (25% response rate). Respondents completed Owned Enterprise the questionnaire either through an online platform or via phone interviews conducted by field agency representatives. Local Government 4% 3% The results of this year’s survey were compared to the FY18 Survey, with a response rate of Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, 18% (N=198). Development Organization, Development 4% 8% Bank, UN Agency Comparing responses across Country Surveys provides insights into changes in attitudes over time; Civil Society Organization: Local and however, it is also influenced by variations in respondent samples, methodological changes, and updates regional NGOs, Community-Based to the survey instrument. To minimize the impact of the latter, only questions with comparable response Organization, Private Foundation, 19% 11% scales and options were analyzed. This year’s survey featured a different distribution of respondents Professional/Trade Association, across stakeholder groups, with a lower representation from civil society and academia and a higher Faith-Based Group, Youth Group representation from the media. Furthermore, 70% of respondents in this survey reported collaborating Private Sector: Private Company, Financial with the WBG, compared to only 27% in the FY18 survey. These shifts in stakeholder composition Sector Organization, Private Bank 18% 15% between the two years should be carefully considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia/Research Center 14% 9% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 7% 16% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Tunisia COS FY24 Other 1% 7% Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents 198 112 Q What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 38 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Tunisia achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A2. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Tunisia? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A3. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Tunisia. A4. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Tunisia. A5. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Tunisia. A6. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Tunisia To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Tunisia C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Tunisia C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Tunisia To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Tunisia, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., loans, credits, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Tunisia . C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner. C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Tunisia. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Tunisia’s context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org