• Tunisia has digitized about 3.6 million documents out of 5.2 million archive boxes.
• Authorities identify audiovisual archives as a priority due to advanced degradation risks.
• Government strengthens legal framework and oversight to protect state records.

Hedi Jellab, Director General of Tunisia’s National Archives, said authorities have already digitized nearly 3.6 million documents out of 5.2 million archive boxes. He shared this update during an interview on national radio, as reported by La Presse.tn on Wednesday, April 22.

Jellab stated that digitization is no longer optional but represents a strategic necessity. He explained that authorities aim to protect original materials and improve document accessibility and usability.

The archive collections include documents dating back to the 16th century. The holdings include around 400,000 records from the Beylical era, which predates French colonization.

At the same time, public institutions continue to transfer new records to the National Archives. Authorities received 9,000 archive boxes in 2024 alone and more than 231,000 boxes between 2000 and 2024.

Authorities have identified audiovisual materials as one of the most critical preservation challenges. A national inventory recorded more than 2.3 million audiovisual documents, including 2 million photographs and 43,000 sound recordings.

The inventory also identified 286,000 films, many of which are in an advanced state of deterioration. In response, the National Archives are preparing to launch a specialized laboratory dedicated to film restoration and digitization.

The government is strengthening its legal framework to support archive preservation. Hedi Jellab stated that authorities impose criminal penalties on any official found guilty of deliberate destruction or mismanagement of archives.

Authorities are also deploying regular inspection programs across ministries and public services. These measures aim to ensure the integrity and long-term preservation of the state’s institutional memory.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum