Tunisia's Minister of State for Energy Transition, Wail Chouchane, emphasized that the country's energy transition is a top strategic priority. This priority aims to address Tunisia's structural energy deficit and heavy reliance on imports. The energy sector has become a crucial factor in enhancing economic sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and attracting investments. Chouchane made these remarks during the opening of the second edition of the "African Energy Forum" in Tunis.
The global energy landscape is undergoing significant changes due to geopolitical shifts, fluctuations in energy markets, and climate commitments. Chouchane noted that these changes, along with rapid technological innovations, are reshaping the world's energy balances. In response to its energy challenges, Tunisia has begun a gradual transformation of its energy system. This transformation is based on two complementary pillars: developing renewable energies and improving energy efficiency.
The goal of Tunisia's energy transition is to make it a driver of economic development. This will enhance the country's attractiveness, support the competitiveness of its industrial fabric, and create new jobs and value-added opportunities. Chouchane stressed that transforming energy systems requires significant investments in production capacities, networks, infrastructure, storage solutions, and new technologies. He emphasized the need for close cooperation between public authorities, institutions, companies, financial institutions, and technical partners.
Rania Marzouki, General Manager of the Tunisian Petroleum Activities Company, highlighted that energy security is no longer based on a single source. Instead, it depends on the ability to diversify energy sources, develop national production, and improve energy efficiency. She noted that Tunisia's institutional framework is a significant asset, with the Tunisian Petroleum Activities Company playing a pivotal role in developing national resources.
The African Energy Forum, organized by the Association of Energy Professionals in partnership with the Tunisian Petroleum Activities Company and the National Agency for Energy Control, is taking place on September 23-24, 2026. The forum focuses on energy security, diversifying energy sources, and good governance. It also explores developing exploration activities, accelerating the transition to clean energies, and enhancing energy interconnection between Tunisia, Europe, and neighboring countries.
The forum emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors, innovation, and leadership in the energy sector. It aims to identify opportunities for cross-border energy cooperation and convert them into implementable projects. The forum also seeks to address the challenges hindering the improvement of energy transition and security indicators in Tunisia.
The second edition of the African Energy Forum brings together various stakeholders in the energy sector from Tunisia and Africa. The event provides a platform for discussing ways to develop regional energy networks, promote renewable energy projects, and exchange experiences and best practices. The forum's objectives align with Tunisia's priorities for enhancing its energy security and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- Tunisia's energy transition is a strategic priority to address its structural energy deficit and heavy reliance on imports.
- The energy sector has become a crucial factor in enhancing economic sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and attracting investments.
- The African Energy Forum aims to identify opportunities for cross-border energy cooperation and convert them into implementable projects.
