The Fin4Youth+ forum was recently held in Tunisia, bringing together various stakeholders to address the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing financing. The initiative, led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to bridge the gap between SME needs and investor expectations. The forum provided a platform for dialogue and action, focusing on preparing and guiding impact project leaders.
Tunisia's unemployment rate among young people stood at 36.8% in the second quarter of 2025, highlighting the need for initiatives like Fin4Youth+. The program is part of a broader effort to support economic growth and job creation in the country. By providing access to financing, Fin4Youth+ seeks to empower SMEs, particularly those led by young people and women, and those operating in Tunisia's interior regions.
The Fin4Youth+ initiative is built around the IMPACT Fund, managed by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) and CDC Gestion, with $42 million allocated to support impactful SMEs in Tunisia's economic corridor. The fund aims to support 70 SMEs, with investment tickets ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, targeting projects with significant environmental and social impact.
Nejia Gharbi, Director-General of the CDC and Chair of the CDC Gestion Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of Fin4Youth+ in supporting SMEs and promoting economic growth. The initiative provides tools and mechanisms to enhance project preparation and analysis, increasing the chances of securing funding. COMFAR, a UNIDO tool, was presented as a means of analyzing project feasibility and viability.
Lassaad Ben Hassine, UNIDO Representative in Tunisia, highlighted the program's goal of bringing high-potential projects closer to funding requirements. Fin4Youth+ aims to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs in targeted regions to transform their ideas into sustainable investment opportunities. The forum brought together various stakeholders, including support structures, financial institutions, and public and private sector actors.
The Fin4Youth+ initiative focuses on enhancing the understanding of investor expectations and improving project preparation practices. By providing access to financing and capacity-building support, the program seeks to promote economic growth, job creation, and regional development. The IMPACT Fund is expected to have a significant impact on Tunisia's economic corridor, supporting the growth of impactful SMEs.
The Fin4Youth+ initiative is a collaborative effort between UNIDO, UNDP, CDC, and CDC Gestion. The program's success will depend on its ability to bring together various stakeholders and provide effective support to SMEs. With $42 million allocated to support impactful projects, Fin4Youth+ has the potential to make a significant contribution to Tunisia's economic development.
Key points
- The Fin4Youth+ initiative has allocated $42 million to support 70 impactful SMEs in Tunisia's economic corridor.
- The program focuses on enhancing project preparation and analysis to increase access to financing for SMEs.
- Fin4Youth+ aims to promote economic growth, job creation, and regional development in Tunisia.
