Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Obaid stated that more than 530 trade operations have been completed under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, two years after its implementation. These operations include both exports and imports with several countries that have joined Tunisia in benefiting from this framework. Obaid made the announcement during the opening of a four-day program for small and medium-sized enterprises in North Africa.
The program aims to familiarize participants with the requirements of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the opportunities it presents for economic operators. Obaid emphasized that the agreement has evolved from a mere legal framework for regulating economic and trade relations between member states to a practical mechanism for creating trade, promoting partnerships, and opening up new prospects for African businesses.
Tunisia was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the agreement and was among the eight countries that joined the Guided Trade Initiative in October 2022. This demonstrates Tunisia's readiness to start trading under the continental free trade area. The country completed the necessary conditions and procedures, resulting in the issuance of the first certificate of origin in May 2023.
Obaid highlighted the crucial role of the private sector as the primary beneficiary of the agreement and a key partner in its implementation. Tunisia ensures the involvement of private sector representatives in the National Committee for monitoring negotiations and implementing the agreement. The ministry also consults with them on various issues, including rules of origin, and formulates Tunisian positions in a participatory manner.
Obaid stressed that Tunisia's relations with Africa represent a consistent strategic choice in its economic and trade policy. He believes that Africa is not only a promising market for Tunisian businesses but also a space for partnership, investment, and joint production, as well as integration into value chains.
Tunisia is set to host several initiatives to promote economic and trade relations with Africa, including the fourth edition of Tunisian-African business meetings on December 9-10, 2026, and the first Africa First Expo from November 5-7, 2026. These events aim to make Tunisia a platform for economic and trade communication between African businesses and contribute to building a more integrated and dynamic African market.
Obaid called on entrepreneurs in North Africa and the African continent to seize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. He emphasized that Africa is undergoing a historic transformation and needs the energies, skills, and small and medium-sized enterprises of its people to make continental economic integration a reality.
Key points
- Over 530 trade operations have been carried out under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
- Tunisia was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the agreement.
- The private sector plays a crucial role in the implementation of the agreement.
