Nefzawa City, an initiative launched in the governorate of Kebili, Tunisia, is expanding its reach to Germany for its third edition. The event, scheduled to take place in Freiburg from November 20-22, 2026, aims to bring together media professionals, institutions, and economic actors to promote development and create opportunities. This year's theme, "From Oasis to Europe: Nefzawa City 2026," reflects the initiative's goal of fostering cooperation between Tunisia, Germany, and Europe.
The third edition of Nefzawa City marks a significant milestone in the development of this initiative, which has grown from a local to an international platform. The previous two editions, held in 2024 and 2025, attracted over 3,000 participants from seven countries and featured discussions on media, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. This year's event aims to build on this momentum by establishing connections between local Tunisian experiences and their European and international counterparts.
The program for Nefzawa City 2026 includes a series of roundtable discussions, debates, and professional meetings focused on current challenges and development issues. The main topics will cover the role of partnerships between local authorities, media, and development actors in promoting territories and transforming local initiatives into international opportunities. Other key areas of focus include the intersection of media, artificial intelligence, and innovation, as well as sustainable development and the potential of oasis regions.
One of the key objectives of Nefzawa City is to promote a new approach to journalism that prioritizes development and community engagement. This approach, known as "journalism in the service of development," seeks to move beyond traditional reporting and instead foster a more interactive and solutions-focused style of journalism. By doing so, the initiative aims to empower local communities and promote sustainable development.
The event will also feature a visit to Freiburg, allowing participants to explore the city's experiences with sustainable development, responsible consumption, and circular economy. Additionally, an exhibition titled "Le Marché du Monde" will showcase regional products, handicrafts, and local specialties from Tunisia. Business-to-business meetings will also be organized to facilitate partnerships and identify opportunities for cooperation between economic actors, investors, and municipal authorities.
Through this edition, Nefzawa aims to establish Nefzawa City as a permanent platform for communication and cooperation between media professionals, institutions, private sector actors, local authorities, and civil society. By connecting local initiatives to partnership and investment opportunities, the event seeks to unlock the potential of oasis and Saharan regions and promote sustainable development.
The third edition of Nefzawa City has the potential to make a significant impact on the development of Tunisia and its relationships with European partners. By promoting a new approach to journalism and fostering cooperation between local and international actors, the initiative can help create new opportunities for economic growth, sustainable development, and social progress.
Key points
- Nefzawa City aims to establish a permanent platform for communication and cooperation between media professionals, institutions, and economic actors to promote development and create opportunities.
