Tunisia's Ministry of Transport has presented its budget for 2027, which includes a 31.6% increase in funding for maritime and port projects, rising to 49.917 million dinars from 37.941 million dinars in 2026. The budget was discussed during a joint meeting of parliamentary committees on planning, sustainable development, transport, and major works. Minister of Transport Rachid Amri outlined the allocation of funds for various projects.
A significant portion of the budget, 25.892 million dinars, will be dedicated to infrastructure development and investment in the maritime sector, representing 51.8% of the total program resources. This includes funding for the new Kerkennah transport company and the Enfidha port project. The Kerkennah transport company will receive 5.2 million dinars for exceptional maintenance of its fleet and 5 million dinars for acquiring a new ship.
The goal of the Kerkennah transport company's funding is to improve the reliability of maritime connections between Sfax and the Kerkennah archipelago. This will be achieved by strengthening the operational capacity of the fleet and enhancing passenger service conditions. The allocation aims to support the development of the maritime sector and improve the overall quality of services.
The Enfidha port project, a strategic intervention to strengthen Tunisia's logistics and port capacities, has been allocated 13.992 million dinars. These funds will be used to update market studies and technical, economic, and financial analyses necessary for the project's implementation. This step is crucial in determining the project's feasibility and characteristics.
Despite being discussed for nearly thirty years, the Enfidha port project remains in the study phase. The continuous allocation of public funds for studies highlights concerns about the efficiency of Tunisia's public authorities in implementing large-scale projects. The project's development is considered essential for supporting trade and the country's competitiveness.
The modernization of maritime infrastructure is a priority for Tunisia, and the Enfidha port project is seen as a key component of this strategy. The project's implementation would enhance the country's logistical capabilities and support economic growth. However, the repeated delays and lack of progress raise questions about the project's viability.
The Tunisian government's commitment to investing in maritime and port projects is evident in the increased budget allocation. However, the effectiveness of these investments in delivering tangible results remains to be seen. The successful implementation of projects like the Enfidha port will be crucial in assessing the government's ability to deliver on its development plans.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has allocated 49.917 million dinars for maritime and port projects in 2027, a 31.6% increase from 2026.
