The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered with Tunisia's Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) and CDC Gestion to host the Fin4Youth+ forum in Tunis. The event aimed to facilitate access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote impactful projects. With youth unemployment at 36.8% in the second quarter of 2025, the forum sought to address the significant challenge of financing for SMEs, particularly those led by young people and women.
The forum brought together various stakeholders, including financial institutions, investment organizations, and public and private sector actors. The event provided a platform for dialogue and action, aiming to match SME needs with financier expectations and identify key obstacles. The goal was to develop strategies for better preparing and guiding project leaders to secure financing. The forum emphasized the importance of thorough project preparation and analysis in facilitating access to financing.
The forum showcased various tools and approaches to support SME financing, including COMFAR, a UNIDO tool for analyzing project feasibility and viability. Lassaad Ben Hassine, UNIDO's representative in Tunisia, stated that Fin4Youth+ aimed to bridge the gap between high-potential projects and financing requirements. The initiative seeks to create conditions for entrepreneurs in targeted regions to transform their ideas into sustainable investment opportunities.
The Fin4Youth+ initiative is part of a broader effort to support SME financing in Tunisia. The programme is being implemented in partnership with the CDC and CDC Gestion, with a focus on the Corridor économique, which aims to boost economic opportunities and employment in the Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, and Kairouan regions. The initiative also involves the Fonds IMPACT, a 42-million-dinar fund managed by CDC Gestion to support impactful SME projects.
The Fonds IMPACT aims to support 70 SMEs with investment tickets ranging from 100,000 to 1 million dinars. The fund prioritizes projects with significant environmental and social impact, particularly in the Kasserine and Sidi Bouzid regions, with a focus on women-led projects. Nejia Gharbi, Director-General of CDC and Chair of CDC Gestion's Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of Fin4Youth+ in strengthening project preparation and structuring.
The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to the growth, employment, and regional development in Tunisia. By improving project preparation and access to financing, Fin4Youth+ aims to promote sustainable economic development and reduce youth unemployment. The initiative's success will depend on the collaboration and commitment of various stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and private sector actors.
The Fin4Youth+ forum demonstrated the commitment of international organizations and Tunisian institutions to supporting SME financing and promoting economic development. The event provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to share experiences, expertise, and best practices in addressing the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing financing.
Key points
- The Fin4Youth+ forum aimed to address SME financing challenges in Tunisia.
- The initiative prioritizes projects with significant environmental and social impact.
- The Fonds IMPACT has 42 million dinars dedicated to supporting impactful SME projects.
