Tunisia's Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah Zwari, has emphasized the importance of transforming the economic potential of the Mednine region into productive projects that generate wealth and jobs. Speaking at the third edition of the Mednine Investment Days, Zwari highlighted the region's strategic location, which makes it a gateway to African, Maghrebi, and Mediterranean markets. The region boasts a basic infrastructure, including the commercial port of Jerba-Gabès and the Jerba-Gabès International Airport.
The Mednine Investment Days, which took place from October 28, 2026, aim to promote the region's investment opportunities and foster partnerships between local and foreign investors. The event featured the participation of various stakeholders, including the Wali of Mednine, regional and local authorities, and representatives from the Tunisian Confederation of Citizen Enterprises. Zwari stressed the need to develop high-value-added projects, focusing on innovation, renewal, and digital transformation to enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises.
The region's industrial fabric comprises 84 industrial enterprises, which provide around 4,000 jobs, with 12 of these enterprises exporting their products entirely and employing nearly 1,200 workers. Zwari noted that the development of economic activities linked to the Jerba-Gabès port and investment spaces is part of the government's vision to connect infrastructure and production sites, encouraging the creation of industrial enterprises and boosting their export capabilities.
The minister highlighted the importance of economic integration between the governorates of the fifth region, where industrial, port, and logistics activities intersect with energy, natural, and agricultural resources. He also emphasized the need for a energy transition, leveraging the region's potential in renewable energies, particularly solar energy. Zwari called on Tunisian and foreign investors, as well as Tunisian expatriates, to explore opportunities in Mednine and contribute to developing productive investments based on partnership and mutual benefits.
The region is home to several universities, research centers, and innovation hubs, including the Institute of Arid Regions. Zwari stressed the importance of strengthening the link between these scientific and technological capacities and the needs of economic enterprises. He also highlighted the need to convert scientific research into practical applications and productive projects, enabling the development of innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by enterprises and improve their performance and competitiveness.
As part of the Mednine Investment Days, Zwari awarded prizes to winners of the "Hackathon" competition, which aimed to develop smart solutions in logistics. He also honored a group of distinguished investors, considering this initiative an opportunity for young people to employ their digital and technological skills to address issues related to transport, storage, and supply chain management.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing the activities of support structures, financial institutions, and banks. Zwari visited the exhibition and toured the Jerba-Gabès economic activities space, where he learned about the activities of several industrial enterprises operating in the region.
Key points
- The Tunisian government aims to increase the investment rate to 16.4% and raise the growth rate to 3.1%.
- The Mednine region has significant potential for developing industries such as food processing, construction materials, and engineering services.
- The region's strategic location makes it an attractive hub for trade and investment between Africa, the Maghreb, and the Mediterranean.
