Tunisia's Ministry of Trade and Export Development is urging the country's private sector to take greater advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (Zlecaf) agreement to boost exports and strengthen the country's presence on the continent. According to Bochra Ellejmi, the ministry's head of commercial cooperation with Africa, the next phase of implementing the Zlecaf agreement requires more engagement from Tunisia's private sector.
Ellejmi made the remarks during the regional program of support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in North Africa, which took place in Tunis from October 6-9. The program aimed to help SMEs and the private sector benefit from the Zlecaf agreement. Ellejmi noted that Tunisia was chosen to host the event due to its progress in implementing the agreement and its early adoption of the initiative in 2022.
The Zlecaf agreement offers significant opportunities for Tunisian companies, particularly in sectors such as mechanical industries, automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as services. Ellejmi cited an example of a study by the Center for the Promotion of Exports (CEPEX), which identified untapped opportunities for Tunisian companies in West Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal.
To capitalize on these opportunities, a Tunisian official delegation and private sector representatives will visit Senegal from October 7-9 to promote Tunisian olive oil under the Zlecaf agreement. The visit aims to encourage Senegal to activate the agreement and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both countries. However, Senegal has not yet implemented the Zlecaf agreement, despite the significant investment opportunities it offers to Tunisian companies.
Since Tunisia signed the Zlecaf agreement on March 21, 2018, a total of 450 certificates of origin have been issued for exporting Tunisian products to Africa. According to Zied Jouadi, vice-president of the National Chamber of International Trade Companies, over 80% of exporting companies are international trade companies that contribute significantly to Tunisia's exports to Africa.
The program included training sessions for exporters and business support structures on the rules and certificates of origin, as well as commercial documents adopted under the Zlecaf agreement. The event also provided a platform for SMEs to discuss financial and non-financial solutions, customs, logistics, and supply chain issues. The goal was to improve the preparedness of SMEs to access African markets and facilitate their access to financing and services.
Since Tunisia's accession to the Zlecaf agreement, the country has recorded around 532 commercial operations with several African countries, with the first direct commercial operation taking place in May 2023. Ellejmi emphasized that Tunisian expertise is in high demand in several African markets and enjoys a good reputation, particularly in areas such as healthcare, construction materials, and health services.
Key points
- Tunisia urges its private sector to leverage the Zlecaf agreement to expand into African markets.
- The country's private sector has issued 450 certificates of origin for exporting products to Africa since the Zlecaf agreement was signed in 2018.
- A Tunisian delegation will visit Senegal to promote olive oil exports under the Zlecaf agreement and encourage the country to activate the agreement.
