Tunisia is the smallest country in North Africa with an area of 163,610 sq km and is also the northernmost country in Africa. It borders Algeria to the west, Libya to the south and east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. With over 1000 km of coastline, it has a strong tradition of commerce and openness to the wider Mediterranean region. The country also holds a strategic position as a bridge
On the Start-up Act and local market solutions How can the Start-up Act unlock Tunisia's entrepreneurship potential? AMENI MANSOURI: The Start-up Act supports Tunisia's entrepreneurship environment by helping entrepreneurs overcome the hurdles they face on a daily basis. Most importantly, it helps to recruit senior knowledge in strategic areas. Taking into consideration all the taxation…
While prospects for Tunisian retail are improving, the sector has faced challenges in shifting online. Mostly due to online payment limitations, but also to a certain degree of mistrust of online purchases, Tunisia’s e-commerce market remains underdeveloped. Recent state intervention and the rise of e-commerce start-ups have helped to improve the environment; however, more targeted action may be…
Interview:Nabil Chaibi, CEO, Ulysse Hyper Distribution – Carrefour Tunisie How can grocery retailers adapt to changes in consumer behaviour and expectations? NABIL CHAIBI: In these times of rampant inflation and declining purchasing power, Tunisian consumers are now, more than ever, in search of lower prices and an optimum price-quality ratio. The development of private labels is essential…
Interview: Slim Feriani, Minister of Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises What are Tunisia’s goals with respect to industrial zone development over the coming years? SLIM FERIANI: Since 1973 Tunisia has established a total of 146 industrial zones. The goal is to create 69 more by 2020, of which 39 will be funded by the Industrial Land Agency, and the rest either by regional councils…
A combination of political instability, falling consumer confidence and a currency devaluation has translated into inconsistent performance for Tunisia’s retail sector in recent years. However, despite the difficulties, the formalisation of distribution networks, and the increase in global brands and food franchises continues to expand modern shopping opportunities. The government’s commitment…
For over four decades Tunisia’s development strategy has focused on expanding its industrial base. This vision, coupled with a large pool of well-educated human resources, has allowed the country to link its production capacity to international value chains. To support development, public policy has focused on improving transport infrastructure and enacting business-friendly regulation. This combination…
With a track record of employment creation outside the capital and strong export figures, textile manufacturing has long been a significant part of the national economy. A combination of competitive labour costs, well-trained human resources and proximity to European markets has made Tunisia a preferred destination for clothing manufacturers. Taking advantage of the offshoring regime established in…
The combination of a domestic market categorised by high expenditure on health care and regional export possibilities has made Tunisia’s pharmaceuticals industry one of the country’s most successful segments. According to a report from the World Bank, the country’s pharmaceuticals market grew at an annual average of 15% between 1990 and 2013. This growth was largely driven by privatisation and…
Appointed in August 2016 as the head of a new national unity government, Prime Minister Youssef Chahed in early 2018 announced a series of reforms which sparked protests across the country. In response, the IMF, which continues to work with the government under its four-year, $2.9bn extended fund facility arrangement, stated that the reform agenda of 2018 was ambitious and should contribute to set
