Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, has emphasized the need for a concrete plan to strengthen economic relations between Tunisia and Senegal. Despite Senegal being Tunisia's second-largest client in sub-Saharan Africa, the current volume of trade between the two nations remains below its true potential. Abid made this statement during a Tunisian-Senegalese partnership meeting held on October 29, 2026, in Tunis. The meeting was co-led with Seydina Aboubacar Sedikh Ndiaye, Secretary General of the Senegalese Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Abid proposed a strategic roadmap focusing on pilot projects, increased business meetings, and the establishment of a periodic monitoring mechanism to enhance bilateral trade. He highlighted that over 150 Tunisian companies export nearly 200 products to Senegal, primarily olive oil and dates. Furthermore, around 50 other companies are operating in Senegal in key sectors such as agri-food, pharmaceuticals, and packaging. These existing synergies can be leveraged to boost economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Tunisian Minister plans to utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance trade with Senegal. The AfCFTA will enable Senegal to serve as a hub for accessing various West African countries for Tunisian products. In return, Tunisia can offer Senegal a gateway to Mediterranean and European markets. This framework can help unlock new opportunities for trade and investment between the two nations.
Seydina Aboubacar Sedikh Ndiaye, the Senegalese representative, called on the private sector and chambers of commerce and industry to play a driving role in materializing these investment opportunities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the integration of African value chains. The two officials stressed the need to accelerate bilateral cooperation and take concrete steps to enhance economic ties.
The current trade volume between Tunisia and Senegal is considered below par, and both countries are eager to tap into their unrealized potential. Tunisia's exports to Senegal are primarily driven by olive oil and dates, but there are opportunities to diversify trade and increase cooperation in various sectors. The two nations have a strong foundation for collaboration, with many Tunisian companies already operating in Senegal.
The partnership meeting in Tunis brought together stakeholders from both countries to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation. The meeting highlighted the importance of developing a strategic plan to guide bilateral trade and investment. By working together, Tunisia and Senegal can unlock new opportunities for growth and development.
The two countries are looking to strengthen their economic partnership and take advantage of new opportunities for trade and investment. With a strategic plan in place, Tunisia and Senegal can increase their economic cooperation and tap into their unrealized potential. This can lead to increased economic growth and development for both nations.
Key points
- Tunisian Minister Samir Abid calls for a strategic plan to enhance economic ties with Senegal
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can be utilized to enhance trade between Tunisia and Senegal
- The private sector and chambers of commerce and industry are urged to play a driving role in materializing investment opportunities between the two countries
