The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is providing support to Tunisia in two key areas related to international economic transformations. This includes assisting in the preparation of a national e-commerce strategy and enhancing the capacities of Tunisian and African negotiators in climate finance. According to Ramzi Louati, Acting Ambassador of Tunisia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Switzerland, this support was highlighted during a meeting in Geneva.
UNCTAD is specifically aiding the Ministry of Trade and Export Development in formulating a national e-commerce strategy. Initial planning meetings took place from March 31 to April 2, 2026, to determine the strategic priorities of the Tunisian government in this field. This initiative falls under UNCTAD's activities for African countries, covered by an annual report for the period from May 2025 to April 2026, in support of the African Union's Agenda 2063 objectives.
The activities of UNCTAD in this context are structured around four main axes: inclusive growth and sustainable development, regional integration, human-centered development with a focus on women and youth, and integration into the global economy. These areas of focus align with broader efforts to support African countries in achieving their development goals.
In addition to e-commerce strategy development, Tunisia is participating in workshops on climate and development organized by UNCTAD in collaboration with the G77 and China in Geneva. These workshops, targeting negotiators from developing countries concerned with climate finance, are held before sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The aim is to enhance the readiness and negotiation pathways of these negotiators on climate finance.
UNCTAD also provides support to African negotiators regarding various workstreams associated with the Conference of the Parties. This support reflects Tunisia's interest in strengthening technical cooperation with UNCTAD in the areas of e-commerce and climate finance, amidst global trade and economic transformations.
The cooperation between Tunisia and UNCTAD underscores the importance of international support for national development priorities. By enhancing its negotiation capacities in climate finance and developing a robust e-commerce strategy, Tunisia aims to better integrate into the global economy and achieve sustainable development goals.
Moving forward, Tunisia is expected to continue benefiting from UNCTAD's technical assistance in these critical areas. The collaboration is set to contribute to the country's efforts in promoting economic growth, sustainable development, and effective participation in global trade.
Key points
- UNCTAD supports Tunisia in preparing a national e-commerce strategy.
- UNCTAD enhances climate finance negotiation capacities for Tunisian and African negotiators.
- The support is part of UNCTAD's broader activities for African countries under Agenda 2063.
