Tunisia's early childhood sector faces collapse as 500 nurseries and kindergartens close
via Business News2 min read
Tunisia's kindergarten and nursery sector is in crisis, with professionals calling for urgent state intervention to prevent its collapse. At a press conference on Friday, April 24, 2026, they highlighted a critical situation marked by serial closures, increasing financial pressure, and a proliferation of unauthorized facilities. Approximately 500 kindergartens have closed in recent years, reducing the total number of establishments from 6,020 in 2024 to about 5,520 today. Nabiha Kamoun Tlili, president of the national chamber, stated that nearly 50.5% of Tunisian children lack clearly identified childcare structures. This void has led to a rise in unauthorized, "anarchic" facilities, with the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs closing 133 illegal structures between early 2025 and October. Professionals are demanding concrete measures, including the effective application of early childhood subsidies and specific aid for children with autism spectrum disorders. They also advocate for stronger controls, urging the Ministry of Education to intensify inspections in private schools, particularly regarding the illegal enrollment of four-year-olds, and to harmonize enrollment criteria for five-year-olds. These demands follow a protest on October 30, 2025, where professionals demonstrated against deteriorating working conditions.
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