The "Startups and Innovative SMEs" project in Tunisia is continuing its regional outreach with a second edition of its roadshow in 2026. Following a successful first edition in 2025, which visited Bizerte, Kairouan, Sfax, and Gabès, the project aims to strengthen access to financing for innovative Tunisian startups and SMEs. The initiative is financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) in partnership with Smart Capital.
The second edition of the roadshow will make stops in four new locations: Le Kef on September 28, 2026, Monastir on October 6, Gafsa on October 22, and Zarzis on October 23. This move is designed to bring financing opportunities and support closer to regional ecosystems. The project focuses on developing a more dynamic, inclusive, and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem across Tunisia. By visiting these regions, the project aims to highlight available financing and support opportunities.
The roadshow will present various instruments mobilized within the project, including the ANAVA Fund of Funds and the Child Funds it supports, which aim to strengthen startup capital financing. Additionally, InnovaTech, a mechanism dedicated to financing and developing innovative SMEs, will be showcased. The roadshow serves as a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and regional actors to meet, discuss, and establish connections.
The initiative recognizes that Tunisian innovation extends beyond major economic centers, with regions possessing unique skills, universities, entrepreneurial talent, and specific economic sectors that can drive value creation and employment. The roadshow seeks to unite local ecosystem actors, including technopoles, universities, and public and private sector representatives.
By engaging with regional stakeholders, the CDC, Smart Capital, and their partners aim to foster the emergence of sustainable regional innovation and entrepreneurship dynamics. The goal is to promote innovative projects in regions, facilitate access to financing mechanisms, and strengthen connections between local talents, entrepreneurs, investors, and economic actors.
The project's focus on regional outreach reflects its commitment to inclusivity and supporting diverse economic realities across Tunisia. By tailoring its approach to each region's specific needs and potential, the initiative aims to make a meaningful impact on the country's entrepreneurial landscape.
Through this proximity-based approach, the project aims to contribute to the growth of innovative startups and SMEs in Tunisia, ultimately driving economic development and job creation across the country.
Key points
- The "Startups and Innovative SMEs" project launches its second regional roadshow in 2026 to support innovative startups and SMEs across Tunisia.
- The roadshow will visit four new locations: Le Kef, Monastir, Gafsa, and Zarzis, aiming to bring financing opportunities closer to regional ecosystems.
- The initiative is backed by the World Bank and implemented by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) in partnership with Smart Capital.
