The Tunisian agriculture sector has witnessed a significant surge in funding applications, with 650 new candidatures registered within a week. This influx of applications has led to the reopening of the application process for the valorization of irrigated perimeters and development of value chains in the Center-West project. The project, which aims to promote agricultural development in the region, will focus on three governorates: Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, and Kairouan.
The Agence de Promotion des Investissements Agricoles (APIA) has announced a new period for submitting applications, from October 6 to 11. During this period, 90 candidates will be selected following an initial evaluation. The APIA has clarified that applicants who submitted their dossiers on September 21 must resubmit them, while those who have not yet applied can do so during this new period. The selection process will be based on several criteria, including age, land ownership, investment declaration, and membership in an agricultural incubator network.
The Center-West project aims to support agricultural development in the region by providing financing for projects. The project has a budget of 4 million dinars, financed by the African Development Bank. According to Samia Aloui, responsible for facilitating financing for agricultural investments within the project, 1.623 million dinars have already been committed, leaving 2.35 million dinars to be deployed by the end of 2026.
The APIA has reported that 39 dossiers have already been financed by the Banque Tunisienne de Solidarité (BTS), with 1.512 million dinars in credits and 1.072 million dinars in grants. The project has also created 89 direct jobs in the regions where it operates. The authorities hope that this project will contribute to the development of the agriculture sector in Tunisia and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
The reopening of the application process is seen as an opportunity for applicants to submit their dossiers and benefit from the project's financing. The APIA has emphasized that the selection process will be transparent and based on clear criteria. The project's focus on the Center-West region is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the country's food sovereignty.
Tunisia's agriculture sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, and the government has been implementing measures to support its development. The Center-West project is part of a broader strategy to promote agricultural development and improve food security in the country. The project's success is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people in the region.
The authorities have encouraged applicants to take advantage of this new opportunity and submit their applications during the specified period. The project's financing is expected to have a positive impact on the agriculture sector in Tunisia and contribute to the country's economic growth. The APIA will continue to monitor the project's progress and evaluate its impact on the local economy.
Key points
- 650 new funding applications were registered within a week, prompting authorities to reopen the application process in three governorates.
- The project has a budget of 4 million dinars, financed by the African Development Bank.
- 90 candidates will be selected following an initial evaluation, with 30 candidates selected in each of the three governorates.
