The Tunisian government is pushing forward with a project to extend the A3 highway, which currently connects Tunis to Bou Salem, to the border with Algeria. This development was discussed during a meeting between President Kais Saied and Minister of Equipment and Housing Salah Zoauri on November 2. The project aims to improve transportation links between the two countries.
The project has secured partial funding through a loan of 288 billion Tunisian dinars from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (FADES) on October 26. This funding will cover the first phase of the project, which involves building a 40km stretch of highway from Bou Salem to Fernana. The Jendouba governorate has begun procedures to expropriate land required for the project.
The second phase of the project, covering a distance of 35km from Fernana to the Babouche border post via Hammam Bourguiba, remains without a confirmed funding source. The total cost of both sections is estimated at 2.5 billion Tunisian dinars. Until the new highway is completed, Algerians entering Tunisia via the El Ayoune border post use the national road 11, which connects Bizert to the Algerian border.
The two countries are currently linked by the Annaba-Tunis international train, jointly operated by the Algerian National Railway Company (SNTF) and the Tunisian National Railway Company (SNCTF). The train service offers three trips per week. Travel between the two nations is significant, with Tunisia being a preferred destination for Algerian tourists.
In 2025, approximately 4 million Algerians visited Tunisia, while 1.5 million Tunisians traveled to Algeria, according to the Tunisian Office of Tourism. The new highway is expected to further enhance bilateral tourism and trade. The project is seen as a key development in strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The construction of the highway is also expected to boost economic growth in the regions through which it will pass. Local authorities have begun preparations for the project's implementation, including land expropriation and site clearance. Once completed, the highway will provide a more direct and efficient route for travelers and goods between Tunisia and Algeria.
The project's progress will be closely watched by both governments, as it has the potential to significantly impact trade and tourism between the two nations. With the highway's completion, travel times and transportation costs are expected to decrease, further facilitating the exchange of goods and people between Tunisia and Algeria.
Key points
- The project involves building a 75km highway from Bou Salem to the Algerian border, with the first phase covering 40km and the second phase covering 35km.
- The project has secured partial funding through a loan of 288 billion Tunisian dinars from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (FADES).
- The highway is expected to boost economic growth and enhance bilateral tourism and trade between Tunisia and Algeria.
