On September 22, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdel Hafiz, and Malinne Blomberg, Deputy Managing Director of the African Development Bank's office in Tunisia, signed two guarantee agreements between the Tunisian Republic and the Bank. The agreements are worth $698 million and will finance projects for the National Company for Water Exploitation and Distribution and the Tunisian Chemical Complex.
The first financing agreement is worth $111.5 million, approximately $377 million, and will contribute to the project to improve the technical and energy efficiency of the drinking water network in Greater Tunis. The second financing agreement is worth $110 million, approximately $321 million, and will contribute to the project to support the environmental rehabilitation and modernization of production units of the Tunisian Chemical Complex.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Economy and Planning, these two projects are part of the strategic priorities and orientations set out in the 2026-2030 development plan, particularly those related to food and water security, energy security, and environmental protection. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to providing all the necessary support to strategic public institutions to enable them to develop their performance and improve their efficiency.
Minister Abdel Hafiz expressed his satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Tunisia and the African Development Bank and its role in supporting Tunisia's economic and social development. He also thanked the Bank for its contribution to financing these two important projects. Malinne Blomberg, in turn, emphasized the strength of cooperation between the two parties and the Bank's readiness to continue supporting Tunisia in implementing its priorities and development programs.
The two projects aim to improve the efficiency of the drinking water network, reduce water losses, and enhance the environmental and energy performance of the Tunisian Chemical Complex. These objectives align with the government's priorities to ensure food and water security, promote sustainable development, and improve the business environment.
The financing agreements were signed by the CEOs of the two beneficiary companies, Abdelhamid Monga and Omar Bouzouada. The African Development Bank's support for these projects demonstrates its commitment to helping Tunisia achieve its development goals and address the challenges facing its economy and society.
Key points
- The two guarantee agreements are worth $698 million.
- The projects aim to improve the efficiency of the drinking water network and enhance the environmental and energy performance of the Tunisian Chemical Complex.
- The financing agreements align with the government's priorities to ensure food and water security, promote sustainable development, and improve the business environment.
