Tunisia has made significant strides in its trade relations with other African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, also known as Zlecraf. According to Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, the country has completed over 400 trade operations, including exports and imports, since the agreement came into effect over two years ago. This development highlights Tunisia's commitment to expanding its trade with other African nations.
Minister Abid emphasized that Tunisia issued its first certificate of origin under the agreement in May 2023, after fulfilling the required conditions and procedures. He made these remarks during the opening of the "Support Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Regional Batch for North Africa" in Tunis. The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the region and help them benefit from the opportunities provided by the AfCFTA agreement.
Abid stressed the importance of the private sector in the implementation and success of the AfCFTA agreement, saying that they are the primary beneficiaries and key partners in the agreement's development and execution. He added that Tunisia is committed to using the agreement's mechanisms to boost trade and economic activity, and to encourage other countries that have not yet ratified the agreement to join the continental trading bloc.
The Tunisian government is working to involve representatives of the private sector in the national committee that follows up on the negotiations and implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The ministry also consults with private sector institutions on various issues, including rules of origin, and seeks their input in shaping Tunisia's positions on these matters. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the needs and priorities of the private sector are taken into account.
The "Support Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Regional Batch for North Africa" brings together representatives of the private sector and small and medium-sized enterprises from Tunisia and several other countries in the North African region. The program, which runs from October 6 to 9, 2026, aims to raise awareness about the requirements of the AfCFTA agreement and the opportunities it offers to economic operators.
Tunisia's relations with Africa represent a strategic choice in its economic and trade policy, as the continent offers a promising market for Tunisian institutions and a space for partnership, investment, and joint production. The country aims to make itself a platform for economic and trade communication between African institutions and to contribute to building a more integrated and dynamic African market.
The Tunisian government will continue to support initiatives that bring together the African private sector and provide it with spaces for networking and establishing partnerships. Some of these initiatives include the fourth edition of the Tunisian-African Business Meetings, scheduled for December 9-10, 2026, and the first edition of the "Africa First Expo," which will take place in Tunis from November 5 to 7, 2026.
Key points
- Tunisia has completed over 400 trade operations under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
- The country issued its first certificate of origin under the agreement in May 2023.
- Tunisia aims to make itself a platform for economic and trade communication between African institutions.
