Tunisia recently held talks with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (FADES) to discuss financing for priority investments in transport, hydraulics, and agricultural development. The meetings, which took place on October 28, 2026, involved Tunisian ministers and FADES officials. They focused on potential financing and implementation of strategic projects in the transport sector, including rail, ports, and civil aviation.
The Minister of Transport, Rachid Amri, chaired a working session with a FADES delegation to explore financing opportunities for transport projects. Discussions centered on developing passenger and freight rail transport, as well as maritime and civil aviation infrastructure. FADES representatives expressed their willingness to support priority investments in coordination with concerned parties. However, no new financial commitments were announced.
The Minister of Agriculture, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, met with FADES Director-General Fawzi Youssef Al-Hanif to examine cooperation in hydraulic infrastructure and integrated agricultural development. They discussed ongoing projects, including dams, water transfers, and rural projects supported by FADES. Two programs were specifically mentioned: one for the south of Kasserine, covering five delegations from 2025-2029, and another for the Tessa watershed in the Kef governorate, benefiting around 53,000 inhabitants from 2026-2030.
These meetings build on existing dialogue between Tunisia and FADES regarding investment needs in infrastructure. They follow the signing of two financing agreements on October 27, 2026, totaling approximately 432 million dinars for road and rural infrastructure. However, these discussions are distinct from the sectoral talks that took place the following day. The next step is to identify specific projects that may receive new financial support, along with their amounts and implementation timelines.
FADES has reaffirmed its support for Tunisia's development efforts. The Fund's representatives expressed their willingness to accompany priority investments in coordination with concerned parties. This commitment is in line with FADES' role in supporting economic and social development in Arab countries.
The talks between Tunisia and FADES reflect ongoing efforts to mobilize financing for key infrastructure projects. The two sides are working to identify areas of cooperation and prioritize projects that can be implemented with FADES support. This process aims to address Tunisia's development needs and promote sustainable growth.
The outcome of these discussions remains to be seen, as Tunisia and FADES work to translate their cooperation into concrete projects. The two sides will likely continue to engage in close consultation to ensure that their collaboration yields tangible results. This cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on Tunisia's economic and social development.
Key points
- Tunisia holds talks with FADES to discuss financing for transport and hydraulics projects
- FADES reaffirms its support for Tunisia's development efforts
- No new financial commitments announced following the talks
