The Tunisian government has announced plans to invest in the restructuring of three public enterprises: El Fouladh, the Bizerte cement plant, and the Beja sugar factory. The projects aim to modernize equipment, increase production capacity, and improve the financial situation of these companies. According to the Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, the restructuring programs are ongoing, with the goal of developing productive capacities, cleaning up finances, and ensuring the continuity of activities.
El Fouladh, a major industrial enterprise, is set to benefit from a new steel production project, currently in the evaluation phase. The project, which involves the creation of a new steel mill, has seen its budget increase from $70 million to $130 million. This additional funding will be used to renovate supporting units and ensure they meet required performance standards. The financing offer is expected to be approved by the Islamic Development Bank's board of directors in April 2027.
The Bizerte cement plant is also part of the restructuring program, with a project aimed at controlling energy and protecting the environment. The estimated cost of this project is 50 million dinars. In addition, measures have been taken to increase the company's capital by 53.1 million dinars and reschedule its debts. These actions aim to improve the plant's position in the local market, regain market share, and restore financial balance.
The Beja sugar factory will benefit from a rehabilitation project for its outdated production equipment and the acquisition of new necessary equipment. The estimated cost of this operation is 40 million dinars. In parallel, the company is preparing a business plan to ensure its sustainability. The rescheduling of debts is also among the measures planned to improve its financial situation. The company aims to produce 180,000 tons of raw sugar for refining and 171,000 tons of white sugar.
According to Minister Abdelhafidh, the projects were presented during a plenary session dedicated to examining the budget of his department for 2027. The minister highlighted the importance of these investments in ensuring the continuity of activities and improving the financial situation of these public enterprises. The restructuring programs are expected to have a positive impact on the companies and the Tunisian economy.
The Tunisian government has been working to improve the performance of public enterprises, which have faced significant challenges in recent years. The investments in El Fouladh, the Bizerte cement plant, and the Beja sugar factory are part of a broader effort to modernize and restructure these companies. The projects are expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The implementation of these projects is expected to be completed in the coming years, with the exact timeline not specified. The Tunisian government has expressed its commitment to supporting these public enterprises and ensuring their sustainability. The investments in these companies are seen as crucial to the country's economic development and growth.
Key points
- The Tunisian government plans to invest $130 million in El Fouladh's new steel production project.
