Tunisia's Qawafel Project Closes After Supporting Over 430 Local Businesses

The Qawafel project, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France, has officially closed after 44 months of activity. The project aimed to structure Tunisia's ecosystem and prepare local startups and SMEs to conquer African markets. A closing ceremony was held at the Arab Institute of Business Leaders (IACE) in the presence of French Ambassador to Tunisia Anne Guéguen and Ministry of Economy and Planning chief of staff Lotfi Fradi.

The project focused on four strategic markets: Senegal, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Kenya. Eighteen Tunisian entrepreneurship support structures (SAE) were selected through three calls for projects, enabling 256 businesses to receive training and 177 to receive individualized export support. The project also emphasized inclusion, with 23% of female entrepreneurs among the beneficiaries and 16% of businesses located outside major economic hubs like Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax.

Qawafel facilitated direct connections between Tunisian and African economic actors, with 93 businesses participating in business missions and 37 exhibiting at international trade fairs. These efforts resulted in 410 B2B meetings and the signing of 45 commercial contracts. The project also welcomed six foreign delegations to Tunisia, further strengthening economic ties.

In addition to direct support for SMEs, the program worked to enhance the skills of public institutions and professional organizations responsible for export, leading to eight partnership agreements between Tunisian and African counterparts. According to Mazen Al Kassem, head of the Qawafel project, the initiative's lasting impact lies in creating connections, developing skills, and bringing Tunisian businesses closer to their future African partners.

The project's achievements include supporting over 430 Tunisian businesses, with a focus on preparing them for African markets. The program's emphasis on inclusion and capacity building has contributed to a more competitive and connected Tunisian business ecosystem. The project's legacy is expected to have a lasting impact on Tunisia's economic integration into the African continent.

The Ministry of Economy and Planning aims to capitalize on the project's achievements, consolidating the integration of Tunisian businesses into regional and continental value chains. Lotfi Fradi emphasized the ministry's commitment to building on the project's success, ensuring the momentum generated by Qawafel is sustained.

The closure of the Qawafel project marks a significant milestone in Tunisia's efforts to strengthen its economic ties with Africa. As the country looks to the future, the project's impact will likely be felt for years to come, with Tunisian businesses better equipped to navigate the complexities of the African market.

Key points

• The Qawafel project supported over 430 Tunisian businesses, preparing them for African markets.
• The project facilitated direct connections between Tunisian and African economic actors, resulting in 410 B2B meetings and 45 commercial contracts.
• The project's legacy is expected to have a lasting impact on Tunisia's economic integration into the African continent.