Tunisia's olive oil sector is set for a major overhaul, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fishing working on a long-term vision to develop the industry by 2050. The plan aims to boost the sector's contribution to the national economy, ensure food security, and increase exports. Minister Azzedine Ben Cheikh emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that takes into account the global economic shifts, climate change, and technological advancements.
The minister made the announcement during the opening of a national workshop on the development and sustainability of Tunisia's olive oil sector. The workshop, organized by the General Directorate of Agricultural Production, brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, international organizations, and financial institutions. Ben Cheikh stressed the importance of enhancing the sector's resilience to climate change, improving resource efficiency, and developing production and transformation techniques.
Tunisia's olive oil sector is a significant contributor to the national economy, with the country's olive groves covering over 2.1 million hectares. The sector accounts for around 10% of the country's agricultural production and 44% of its agricultural exports. According to the minister, the sector has shown promising results, with olive oil production increasing to around 500,000 tons in the 2025/2026 season, up from 340,000 tons in the previous season.
The minister highlighted the need to add value to Tunisia's olive oil and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. He emphasized the importance of improving quality, diversifying products, and developing the packaging sector. The country's olive oil exports have also seen a significant increase, with a 50.8% rise in the first 10 months of the 2025/2026 season, reaching around 381,200 tons.
The national workshop focused on four key areas: olive production and resilience to climate change, transformation and quality improvement, market development and added value, and governance and partnership between the public and private sectors. The event aimed to bring together stakeholders to share experiences, identify challenges, and develop practical proposals to support the sector's sustainability and competitiveness.
The development of Tunisia's olive oil sector is crucial for the country's economy, with the sector providing employment opportunities for thousands of people. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fishing is working to support the sector's growth, with the aim of increasing its contribution to the national economy and enhancing its global competitiveness.
The Tunisian government's efforts to develop the olive oil sector are part of a broader strategy to boost the country's agricultural sector and promote sustainable economic growth. The sector's development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy, environment, and social stability.
Key points
- Tunisia's olive oil production increased by 47% in the 2025/2026 season, reaching around 500,000 tons.
