The Tunisian government's plan to build a deep-water port in Enfidha has been delayed for nearly two decades. The project was first announced in December 2007, with the first phase expected to be operational by 2010. However, despite several restarts and revised timelines, no construction work has begun. The project has been revived multiple times, including in 2013 and 2017, with updated economic and financial studies.
In November 2013, a restricted ministerial council approved the project, and in January 2017, another council made decisions regarding its implementation. At that time, studies conducted between 2006 and 2010 were updated. Recently, Minister Rachid Amri announced that the studies would be updated within three months, with construction expected to start in early 2028. However, this timeline remains subject to financing, contracting, and attribution.
The delay in the Port Enfidha project is starkly contrasted with the development of Morocco's Tanger Med port. The decision to build Tanger Med was made in July 2002, with construction starting in 2003 and the first terminal becoming operational in 2007. This took around five years from decision to operation. Another comparison is Nador West Med, where the project was assigned to a public company in December 2012, with construction starting in 2016 and expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Port Enfidha project is no longer just an engineering or financing challenge. After nearly two decades, the focus will now be on transitioning from a new announced timeline to financed contracts and actual construction work. The project's revival will depend on the government's ability to secure funding and move forward with the project.
Key figures highlight the project's prolonged delay. It has been 19 years since the initial call for interest in December 2007, 13 years since the 2013 approval, and nine years since the January 2017 ministerial decision. The government has set a new timeline, with updated studies expected within three months and construction starting in early 2028.
The Tunisian Ministry of Transport has been working to revive the project, with Minister Rachid Amri announcing a new update of the studies. However, the project's timeline remains uncertain, pending financing and contracting. The government's ability to deliver on its promises will be crucial in moving the project forward.
The delay in the Port Enfidha project has significant implications for Tunisia's economic development. The project's completion will require careful planning, financing, and execution to ensure its successful implementation. The government must address the challenges and ensure that the project moves forward to realize its potential benefits.
Key points
- The Port Enfidha project has been delayed for nearly 19 years, with construction now expected to start in early 2028.
- The project's delay is contrasted with the development of Morocco's Tanger Med port, which took around five years from decision to operation.
- The project's revival will depend on the government's ability to secure funding and move forward with the project.
