The Tunisian government has announced that two companies, "منوبة البيّة" (Manouba Al-Bayya), a regional community-owned company, and "أرزاق" (Arzaq), a local community-owned company based in Tebourba, have been awarded leases for two international farmlands. The decision was made during a working session held on Tuesday under the supervision of the regional governor, Mahmoud Chouieb, and in the presence of the General Director of the Land Office.
The two farmlands, located in the regions of Manouba and Tebourba, will be leased to the companies for integrated agricultural projects. According to the regional authorities, the decision is part of the implementation of a joint decree issued by the Minister of State Assets and Land Affairs and the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries on November 4, 2025.
The decree aims to regulate the conditions and procedures for granting priority to community-owned companies in leasing international farmland for agricultural purposes. The two companies were selected from a list of applicants after completing the necessary procedures, including a public draw for one of the farmlands.
"منوبة البيّة" was chosen to lease a 668-hectare farmland in the Mernak region, while "أرزاق" was awarded a lease for a 142-hectare farmland in the Bordj Toetta region. The companies were required to have been established for a minimum period, with "منوبة البيّة" being three years old and "أرزاق" being one year old.
Before taking possession of the farmlands, the companies must complete the final stage of the process, which involves settling any outstanding expenses related to the current agricultural season and the value of crops on the land. They must also provide proof of settling their local currency obligations with the land office.
Representatives of the two companies expressed satisfaction with the progress made, describing it as a significant step forward in the process of completing the necessary procedures for leasing the farmland. This development paves the way for the companies to commence their activities and implement their projects.
The regional authorities reported that 27 initiatives to establish community-owned companies are still in the process of completing their procedures in the Manouba region. The activities of "منوبة البيّة" will focus on integrated agriculture, including fruit trees, major crops, livestock farming, and eco-tourism, while "أرزاق" will specialize in agricultural activities such as planting fruit trees and crops, and livestock farming.
Key points
- Two Tunisian companies awarded leases for international farmlands to develop integrated agricultural projects.
- The leases are part of a government initiative to support community-owned companies in agricultural development.
- The companies must complete the final stage of the process, including settling outstanding expenses, before taking possession of the farmlands.
