Tunisia was among 15 African countries whose women scientists participated in the UNESCO Quantum Computing Course for African Women Scientists, which ran in December 2025. According to UNESCO’s outcome report, the nine-session online course brought together 40 women scientists from Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritania, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, Togo, The Gambia, Namibia, Algeria, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, and Ethiopia.
Led by Dr. Maria Longobardi from the University of Basel and Dr. James Wootton from Moth Quantum, the course progressed from core quantum computing concepts to selected applications. UNESCO designed the program in 2025 to provide an accessible foundation in quantum computing and help participants identify pathways into the field. Course access was free and open to all, with the mentorship track specifically targeting women Ph.D. students in STEM from across Africa.
The initiative was part of UNESCO’s activities during the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025), proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2024. UNESCO stated that insights from the program would inform the ongoing development of its Global Quantum Initiative (2026-2028).