Tunisia's Minister of Energy Transition, Wail Shoushan, has emphasized that the country's energy transition is a strategic priority, given its structural energy deficit and heavy reliance on imports. Shoushan was speaking at the opening of the second edition of the Africa Energy Forum in Tunis, which brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of energy in Africa. The minister highlighted the importance of the energy sector in driving economic growth and competitiveness.
Shoushan noted that the global energy landscape is undergoing significant changes, driven by geopolitical shifts, fluctuations in energy markets, and the need to address climate change. He stressed that Tunisia is committed to transforming its energy system by developing renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. The goal is to make the energy transition a driver of economic development, while creating new jobs and opportunities for growth.
The Africa Energy Forum, organized by the Tunisian Association of Energy Professionals in partnership with the Tunisian Petroleum Activities Company and the National Agency for Energy Control, brings together experts and stakeholders from across Africa and the Arab world. The forum focuses on issues such as energy security, diversification of energy sources, and good governance, as well as the development of research and exploration activities.
Rania Marzouki, Director-General of the Tunisian Petroleum Activities Company, emphasized that energy security can no longer be based on a single source, but rather on diversifying energy sources, developing national production, and improving energy efficiency. She highlighted the importance of the institutional framework in Tunisia, which provides a favorable environment for investment in the energy sector.
Marzouki noted that Tunisia's strategic location in the Mediterranean, close to Algeria, Libya, Europe, and the Arab world, provides an opportunity for the country to play a key role in regional energy cooperation. She stressed the need to move from ambition to concrete projects in the energy sector, and to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors.
The Africa Energy Forum 2026 aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between different stakeholders in the energy sector in Tunisia and Africa, and to identify opportunities for cross-border energy cooperation. The forum also seeks to address the challenges facing the energy sector in Tunisia and to support the transition to a more sustainable and secure energy future.
The forum's discussions will focus on several key areas, including the development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and the promotion of regional energy cooperation. The event provides a platform for experts and stakeholders to share experiences and best practices, and to explore new opportunities for investment and cooperation in the energy sector.
Key points
- Tunisia's energy transition is a strategic priority, driven by the need to reduce reliance on imports and develop renewable energy sources.
- The Africa Energy Forum brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of energy in Africa and to promote regional energy cooperation.
- The forum focuses on issues such as energy security, diversification of energy sources, and good governance, as well as the development of research and exploration activities.
