The Tunisian aerospace industry has secured a significant boost with the official establishment of Turkish company AKSA Composites in the country. On September 24, AKSA Composites signed a lease agreement for an industrial site at the Borj Cédria Technopole, marking its first foray into the African continent. This development underscores Tunisia's growing appeal as a hub for advanced materials and aerospace industries. The project, backed by an initial investment of $5 million, will focus on manufacturing composite components and materials for the aerospace sector.

The successful implantation of AKSA Composites in Tunisia is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the country's aerospace ecosystem. The Groupement des Industries Tunisiennes Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GITAS), led by President Stefania Sonia Dallali, played a pivotal role in facilitating connections with the Turkish investor. Initial contacts between GITAS and AKSA Composites were made at the Hamburg Aviation Forum 2025, followed by a series of discussions and meetings that showcased Tunisia's industrial capabilities and integration into international aerospace value chains.

GITAS's efforts to promote Tunisia's aerospace industry and attract foreign investment have yielded significant results. According to Dallali, the arrival of AKSA Composites validates the maturity of Tunisia's aerospace sector, which has progressively integrated into international value chains over the years. With a robust industrial base comprising over 80 companies and a strong export orientation, Tunisia's aerospace industry offers a compelling value proposition for investors, driven by its skilled workforce, proximity to Europe, and flexible industrial infrastructure.

The FIPA-Tunisia, the country's foreign investment promotion agency, also played a crucial role in supporting AKSA Composites' investment plans. The agency provided guidance on site selection, implantation conditions, and necessary procedures to facilitate the investment. A meeting organized by FIPA-Tunisia on May 19, 2026, helped confirm the project and advance discussions on its implementation in Tunisia. The successful conclusion of this process reflects the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders, including GITAS, FIPA-Tunisia, and institutional partners.

AKSA Composites' investment in Tunisia's aerospace sector is poised to drive growth and innovation in the industry. The company aims to develop an industrial activity focused on composite materials and aerospace applications, leveraging its international expertise in advanced materials and industrial operations. With existing collaborations with major international aerospace players, AKSA Composites is well-positioned to make a significant impact in Tunisia's aerospace sector.

The establishment of AKSA Composites in Tunisia is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and technology transfer. According to sector sources, the Borj Cédria site is slated to become operational by 2028, with plans to create several dozen direct jobs. Beyond the initial investment, the project's success will depend on the transfer of technologies, development of local skills, and reinforcement of Tunisia's position in international value chains for advanced materials and aerospace.

The arrival of AKSA Composites in Tunisia marks a significant milestone for the country's aerospace industry, demonstrating its capacity to attract new investors and partners. With GITAS and FIPA-Tunisia playing complementary roles in promoting industrial development and facilitating investment, Tunisia is well-positioned to consolidate its position as a hub for aerospace and advanced materials in Africa.

Key points

  • AKSA Composites invests $5 million in Tunisia's aerospace sector
  • GITAS and FIPA-Tunisia collaborate to facilitate AKSA Composites' investment
  • Project expected to create several dozen jobs and drive technology transfer

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.