The Tunisian government has launched a comprehensive restructuring plan for three state-owned industrial enterprises, namely the Société tunisienne de sidérurgie El Fouladh, the Société des ciments de Bizerte, and the Société tunisienne du sucre (STS) de Béja. This initiative aims to enhance their production capacities and restore their financial stability. The plan involves significant investments to upgrade equipment, improve energy efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability.
The Société tunisienne de sidérurgie El Fouladh is set to benefit from a major investment of $130 million to construct a new steel plant, which is currently in the evaluation phase. This project follows a visit by a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to Tunisia from October 19 to 23, 2026. The estimated cost of the project has increased from $70 million to $130 million due to the inclusion of renovation works for support units necessary to meet required performance standards.
The Société des ciments de Bize rte is another enterprise included in the restructuring plan, with a project worth 50 million dinars aimed at improving energy efficiency and environmental preservation. The company's capital has been increased by 53.1 million dinars, and its debts have been rescheduled to enhance its market position, recover market share, and maintain financial equilibrium.
The Société tunisienne du sucre (STS) de Béja will receive an investment of 40 million dinars to modernize its production equipment. The company plans to renovate worn-out installations and acquire new equipment essential for continuity of operations. Additionally, STS is preparing a business plan to ensure its sustainability, including a debt rescheduling plan and production targets of 180,000 tonnes of raw sugar for refining and 171,000 tonnes of white sugar.
The restructuring plan for these three enterprises was presented by the Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, during a joint plenary session on the 2027 budget for his department, held on November 14 at the Assembly of People's Representatives and the National Council of Regions and Districts. The plan aims to revitalize these state-owned enterprises and enhance their competitiveness in the market.
The financing offer for the El Fouladh project is pending approval from the IDB's board of directors, expected in April 2027. The launch of the new steel plant depends on the validation of the financing. The restructuring plan for these enterprises is part of the government's efforts to promote economic growth and improve the performance of state-owned companies.
The successful implementation of the restructuring plan for these three enterprises will not only enhance their production capacities but also contribute to Tunisia's economic growth and development. The plan's success will depend on effective execution and coordination among the relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, enterprise management, and financial institutions.
Key points
- The plan involves significant investments of $130 million for El Fouladh, 50 million dinars for Ciments de Bizerte, and 40 million dinars for STS.
