The 16th edition of the International Agricultural Investment and Technology Exhibition, SIAT, opened on Wednesday at the Kram Exhibition Park in Tunis and will run until October 31, 2026. Organized by the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency, APIA, the event has the theme "Investing in Resilient and Smart Agriculture to Strengthen Our Food Sovereignty." This year's event features Senegal as the guest of honor.
Tunisian Agriculture Minister Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh emphasized that agriculture is a strategic issue linked to national sovereignty, water security, and regional balance. His vision for the sector is built around three main axes: ensuring water security through water mobilization, reuse of treated wastewater, and soil conservation; developing agricultural sectors and food sovereignty; and strengthening resilience to climate change.
Minister Ben Cheikh also announced the launch of the first General Agricultural Census in early November, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the sector. He called for an inclusive transition that guarantees a decent income for small farmers, fishermen, women, and young people.
Senegalese Agriculture Minister Cheikhou Oumar Ba stated that Africa's food sovereignty will require a joint transformation of food systems. He invited Tunisian operators to become co-investors, particularly in irrigation, mechanization, agro-processing, and cold chain sectors, and proposed a joint monitoring mechanism between the two countries to enhance cooperation.
The SIAT 2026 program includes several key events, such as a climate finance forum on October 29, demonstrations and workshops from October 29 to 31, business meetings on October 30, and the GREENTIC startup competition on October 31.
The exhibition spans 10,000 square meters and features over 155 exhibitors from 11 countries, with more than 15,000 visitors expected. The event aims to promote investment in agriculture and facilitate partnerships between local and international stakeholders.
The ministers' emphasis on cooperation and investment in resilient and smart agriculture highlights the importance of addressing climate change and ensuring food security in the region. The SIAT expo provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and explore innovative solutions to these challenges.
Key points
- Tunisia and Senegal are strengthening cooperation in agriculture to enhance food sovereignty and resilience to climate change.
- The 16th SIAT expo brings together over 155 exhibitors from 11 countries to promote investment in resilient and smart agriculture.
- Tunisian Minister Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh announces the launch of the first General Agricultural Census in early November.
