The Italian group Pieralisi, a specialist in olive oil extraction machines and industrial separation technologies, is considering setting up a "Centre of Excellence and Innovation for Africa" in Tunisia. This initiative aims to strengthen Tunisia's industrial presence and make it a regional platform for innovation, training, and technology transfer to African markets. The project was discussed in Tunis between Pieralisi's CEO, Aldino Zeppeli, Italian Ambassador Alessandro Prunas, and ITA Director Bernard Prevete.
The proposed technology hub is part of Pieralisi's expansion plans, leveraging its 138-year industrial history and solid presence in the Tunisian market. The group, based in the Marche region, intends to enhance its local structure, led by Faten Zoghlami, and tap into Tunisian expertise while transferring Italian know-how. This expansion is supported by Pieralisi's recent strengthening of its financial structure. The group is also exploring applications of its technologies in the food industry, wastewater treatment, and industrial sludge management, beyond the olive oil sector.
Tunisia's olive oil exports have seen significant growth, with 381,200 tonnes exported in the first ten months of the 2025-2026 campaign, valued at approximately 4.78 billion dinars ($1.44 billion). This represents a 50.8% increase from the same period the previous year. Italy accounted for 19.8% of these exports, making it the second-largest market after Spain. The Italian market is even more crucial for Tunisian organic olive oil, accounting for 39% of exports.
Despite the growth in exports, the majority of Tunisian olive oil is sold in bulk, making up around 85.5% of total exports. This highlights the need for increased investment in processing, packaging, and promoting local production. The planned Pieralisi technology hub in Tunisia aligns with Italian-Tunisian industrial cooperation and modernization of the olive oil sector through improved machinery, technical training, and skills transfer.
The initiative is linked to the objectives of Italy's Plan Mattei for Africa, which aims to promote economic development and cooperation between Italy and African countries. The Italian Embassy and the Italian Trade Agency have expressed interest in fostering new collaborations between companies, investors, and expertise centers in both countries.
Pieralisi's potential technology hub in Tunisia would build on the company's existing presence in the country and its experience in the olive oil sector. The group has been operating in Tunisia for several years and has established a strong reputation for its machines and technologies. The new hub would enable Pieralisi to expand its operations and offer innovative solutions to the African market.
The project is still in the study and development phase, with OlivoNews, a specialized Italian publication, indicating that it will progress gradually. The Italian group's expansion plans in Tunisia have been welcomed by local authorities and industry stakeholders, who see the potential for growth and job creation in the country's industrial sector.
Key points
- Pieralisi plans to establish a "Centre of Excellence and Innovation for Africa" in Tunisia to drive growth and innovation in the African market.
- The project aims to strengthen Tunisia's industrial presence and make it a regional platform for innovation, training, and technology transfer to African markets.
- The initiative is part of Pieralisi's expansion plans, leveraging its 138-year industrial history and solid presence in the Tunisian market.
