The Tunisian government has initiated efforts to revive three major investment projects that have been delayed for years. The projects in question are the Port financier de Tunis, Tunis Sports City, and La Porte de la Méditerranée, also known as Sama Dubai. The Ministry of Economy and Planning is working with relevant structures to resolve administrative and technical difficulties hindering their implementation.
The Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, presented the state of progress on these projects during a plenary session on November 14, 2026, as part of the examination of his department's 2027 budget. For the Port financier de Tunis, the ministry has engaged with the committee of approvals to overcome obstacles and restart the project. The convention of investment for this project was approved by law n°55 of 2008.
The ministry has agreed with the project's developers to revise the project's timeline and phases of implementation. The developers are also expected to propose an amendment to the investment convention to integrate the challenges faced and protect Tunisia's interests. This move aims to update the contractual framework of a project that has been stalled for years. The project's progress has been slow since its inception.
Regarding Tunis Sports City, whose convention was approved by law n°31 of 2008, Abdelhafidh reported progress on technical aspects. Studies on electricity and telecommunications networks have been validated. Additionally, the necessary credits for connecting the project to the external natural gas network have received a principle agreement. These advancements concern the technical infrastructure required for the project.
The third project, La Porte de la Méditerranée, also known as Sama Dubai, is a large-scale real estate and urban development planned around Tunis' South Lake. The project has been stalled since 2011. The minister confirmed that this project is among the three investments being monitored by his department. However, no further details were provided on planned measures or a potential restart timeline.
For all three projects, the committee of approvals remains the body responsible for oversight. The Ministry of Economy and Planning aims to accelerate the execution of concluded investment conventions and address obstacles that have delayed their implementation. The projects' revival is expected to boost economic growth and create new opportunities.
The government's efforts to revive these mega-projects are crucial for Tunisia's economic development. The projects have the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the country's infrastructure. The Ministry of Economy and Planning will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.
Key points
- The Tunisian government is working to overcome administrative and technical challenges hindering the implementation of three major investment projects.
- The projects in question are the Port financier de Tunis, Tunis Sports City, and La Porte de la Méditerranée.
- The Ministry of Economy and Planning aims to accelerate the execution of concluded investment conventions and address obstacles that have delayed their implementation.
