In a move to support young people and promote local initiatives, Jemna Connect, a new coworking space, training center, and exchange hub, is set to open in Jemna, a southwestern Tunisian oasis town. Located between Kebili and Douz, on the edge of the Sahara, Jemna Connect aims to empower young people and foster local development. The space, covering 195m², is situated in Jemna's new urban extension area, near the regional road RR206 and Kâchi stadium.
Jemna Connect features a welcoming area, individual and collective workspaces, a meeting room for training and presentations, a relaxation area, sanitary facilities, and a semi-covered outdoor terrace. The space is open to trainers, entrepreneurs, artists, associations, and local actors. Its primary objective is to encourage youth autonomy, participation in local development, and the emergence of new initiatives. This project aligns with the EU4Youth program, specifically the "Fe3il.a – Youth Policy and Youth Participation in Public Policies in Tunisia" project.
The inauguration ceremony of Jemna Connect includes various activities showcasing the space's potential uses. These include a workshop by Nefzawa City on supporting young people and transforming ideas into projects, as well as an interactive experience combining drawing and artificial intelligence. The event also features exchanges between young people and representatives of invited diplomatic missions.
An integral part of the ceremony is the "Village of Local Initiatives," highlighting Jemna's young artisans, local products, traditional crafts, and supported micro-projects within the Fe3il.a project. Furthermore, a podcast space titled "The Voice of Jemna's Youth" allows young people to share their experiences, projects, ideas, and vision for their territory's future.
The official signing of the handover protocol marks the beginning of Jemna Connect's management and operation. This protocol ensures the space's sustainability, aiming to establish it as a lasting hub for meetings, learning, collaboration, and initiatives serving Jemna's youth and the region. CILG-VNG International implements the project with funding from the European Union Delegation in Tunisia (DUE) and support from VNG International.
Jemna Connect's establishment is a significant step towards empowering young people in Tunisia. By providing a dedicated space for work, training, and exchange, the initiative encourages youth participation in local development and policymaking. The project's alignment with the EU4Youth program underscores its potential for long-term impact.
The launch of Jemna Connect on September 30, 2026, marks a new chapter in Tunisia's efforts to support youth development and local initiatives. As the space begins its operations, it is expected to become a vibrant hub for young people to connect, learn, and innovate, ultimately contributing to the region's growth and development.
Key points
- Jemna Connect provides a coworking space and training center for young people in Jemna, Tunisia.
- The project is funded by the European Union Delegation in Tunisia and implemented by CILG-VNG International.
- Jemna Connect aims to empower young people and promote local development through training, exchange, and initiative support.
