Tunisia Adopts Blockchain for Diploma Verification, Boosts Trust 200%
1min read Tunisia has taken a significant step towards combating the issue of fake diplomas by implementing a blockchain-based verification system for educational credentials. This move is part of a broader regional effort to enhance trust in academic qualifications and streamline verification processes.
The Tunisian government has successfully integrated into the Unified Arab System for Diploma Authenticity Verification, following a pilot program that involved three local universities. This initiative, driven by the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization, was first proposed in 2021 as part of a regional strategy to elevate education standards by 2030.
Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in this system by storing each diploma as a unique, tamper-proof record on a distributed ledger. This innovation allows institutions, employers, and government bodies to instantly verify credentials, eliminating the need for slow, manual processes. The immutability of the blockchain ensures that records cannot be altered, forged, or deleted, providing a robust defense against fraud.
Prior to the adoption of blockchain, the process of verifying diplomas in Tunisia was cumbersome and lacked transparency. This created opportunities for individuals to secure jobs using fake degrees. A 2023 study by the Tunisian Association for the Fight Against Corruption revealed that nearly 200,000 civil servants had used fraudulent credentials between 2011 and 2021, representing a substantial portion of the country’s workforce.
Neighboring countries such as Libya, Algeria, and Egypt have also adopted the blockchain system to safeguard universities, employers, and graduates from degree fraud. Libya, which joined early last year, emphasized the system's importance in streamlining certification issuance, particularly during emergencies like war, political instability, and health crises.
Experts are advocating for the expansion of this system across Africa to facilitate cross-border employment and enhance transparency in academic credentials. Samir Khalaf Abd-El-Aal, a researcher from Egypt’s national research Center, has highlighted the need for continent-wide adoption to make verification processes more efficient and easier.
Fake diplomas pose a significant challenge in Africa, with numerous professionals attaining high-ranking positions using fraudulent credentials. Some governments have taken drastic measures in response. For instance, Nigeria no longer recognizes degrees from Kenya, Uganda, Togo, or Benin due to widespread fraud.
Tunisia’s blockchain-based verification system marks a 
