Tunisia's Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah El Zawari, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, participated in the 5th Egypt Mining Forum in Cairo on September 28, 2026. The forum, organized by Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, aims to explore the potential for mining in Egypt and the Nubian-Arabian Shield. El Zawari emphasized Tunisia's commitment to enhancing regional integration and developing local and shared value chains.
During his participation in a discussion panel titled "Linking Mineral Development to Industrial Growth," El Zawari highlighted the importance of the mining sector to Tunisia's national economy. He noted that Tunisia is rich in various mineral resources, including lead, zinc, iron, salts, and potash. El Zawari also praised long-standing trade relations with neighboring countries, particularly in the supply of raw materials necessary for fertilizer production, such as sulfur and ammonia.
El Zawari called for further development of these relations to serve mutual interests. He also revealed that Tunisia is working to regain its global standing in the phosphate sector and its derivatives. This effort involves coordinating with various stakeholders to develop mining exploration and exploitation, encouraging private investors, and providing digital geological data.
The minister emphasized the importance of promoting promising mining sites and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors. He also highlighted the need for exchanging expertise between Arab and African countries, particularly in mineral processing and modern mining technology. This approach aims to achieve comprehensive economic growth.
The Egypt Mining Forum saw the participation of around 500 officials, decision-makers, businessmen, and investors from 50 countries. Over 100 institutions showcased the latest technologies and solutions in mining. The event also attracted approximately 6,000 visitors from the public and private sectors interested in the mining sector.
El Zawari's participation in the forum demonstrates Tunisia's commitment to enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries in the mining sector. By working together, countries can leverage their collective expertise and resources to drive growth and development. Tunisia's efforts to regain its global standing in the phosphate sector are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy.
The phosphate sector is a significant contributor to Tunisia's economy, and the country's efforts to revitalize this sector are crucial for its economic growth. With the right strategies and partnerships, Tunisia is poised to regain its position as a major player in the global phosphate market. The country's progress in this area will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and investors.
Key points
- Tunisia is working to regain its global standing in the phosphate sector through coordination with various stakeholders and development of mining exploration and exploitation.
