En Français As Africa embraces the transformative power of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Special Economic Zones (SEZs) emerge as pivotal catalysts for regional economic growth.The impact of AfCFTA on SEZs on the continent is a key part of Africa’s growth, through improved market access, reduced trade barriers, and participation in regional value chains, which all enhance…
In English Alors que l'Afrique se lance dans une nouvelle ère marquée par la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), les Zones Économiques Spéciales (ZES) émergent en tant que catalyseurs favorisant la croissance économique régionale. L'impact de la nouvelle ZLECAf sur les ZES du continent est un vecteur clé pour la croissance de l'Afrique, avec une amélioration…
– Textile and fashion is the world’s second-largest industrial polluter, behind oil and gas – Concerted efforts are being made to create more sustainable business models – Two solar-powered, sustainable textile plants under construction in Togo and Benin – Increased cotton processing could mean value-added textile earnings stay in West Africa With textiles and fashion expected to…
En Français As of April 8, Tunisia had recorded 628 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 24 deaths, out of a global count of 1.5m infections and 88,000 fatalities. The country recorded its first case on March 2, only days after Parliament approved the new government under Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh, on February 26. In a bid to contain the virus outbreak, the government announced that passenger…
The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are bringing emerging markets improved productivity, as well as risks – namely, reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as those…
Interview:Hosni Boufaden In what ways will the textile growth and competitiveness pact support the sector’s recovery? HOSNI BOUFADEN: The agreement is the culmination of a process that began in May 2017. Back then the sector was going through a recession that cost the economy nearly 400,000 jobs and saw the country fall from being the 12th to the eighth-largest textile exporter worldwide.…
Interview:Hichem Elloumi How can the government and private companies support the development of Industry 4.0? HICHEM ELLOUMI: In a constantly evolving world, the only companies to successfully achieve sustainable growth will be those that pursue continuous technological improvement, as well as those that evolve their processes and products to meet market demand. To this end, the Tunisian government…
Since gaining independence in the 1950s, Tunisia has focused on developing and expanding its industrial base. Traditionally dominated by textiles, the industrial sector is increasingly attracting investment in higher-value segments such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive and aeronautics as a result of a highly skilled and educated workforce. Despite the sector’s strengths, however, progress…
Textiles were once the crown jewel of Tunisia’s industrial environment, representing 50% of employment and earnings. However, increased competition from abroad and domestic instability following the 2011 revolution saw 400 companies close down and 40,000 jobs lost since 2007. Given the industry’s record of job creation outside the capital and the potential to earn foreign currency through increased…
Low consumer confidence coupled with inflation and compromised purchasing power on the back of a weak dinar have characterised Tunisia’s retail sector in recent years. Nonetheless, distribution networks continue to improve and expand, while the presence of global brands and franchises is on the rise. Tunisia’s retail market remains, however, underdeveloped relative to North African peers, in particular…
