Tunisia's Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah Zouaoui, met with a high-level World Bank delegation on September 23, 2026, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between Tunisia and the World Bank. The meeting focused on supporting projects aimed at developing infrastructure in various fields, particularly energy infrastructure. The two parties emphasized the importance of these projects in supporting the national economy and enhancing energy security.
The meeting covered several strategic projects related to the energy, renewable energy, and mining sectors. These projects include the ELMED electricity interconnection project between Tunisia and Italy, and the reinforcement of the national electricity grid in the south-north region linking Sfaxira and Kandar. The parties also discussed the phosphate hydraulic transport project. The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials from the ministries involved.
The two parties stressed the importance of continuing coordination and working to push joint projects to advanced stages. This would contribute to supporting the energy transition and promoting economic development in Tunisia. The meeting also focused on ways to improve the efficiency of the electricity system and encourage investment in renewable energies.
The World Bank delegation expressed its commitment to supporting Tunisia's efforts to develop its energy infrastructure and promote the transition to renewable energy. The two parties reviewed the progress of several ongoing projects and discussed ways to overcome any challenges that may arise.
Minister Zouaoui emphasized the importance of these projects in meeting the needs of the national economy and enhancing energy security. He also highlighted the need to accelerate the implementation of these projects to support the country's economic development.
The ELMED project aims to establish an electricity interconnection between Tunisia and Italy, which will enhance energy security and promote the exchange of electricity between the two countries. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the Tunisian economy and contribute to the country's energy transition.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue coordination and cooperation between Tunisia and the World Bank to support the implementation of these strategic projects. The two parties also agreed to work together to identify new opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.
Key points
- Tunisia and the World Bank are working together to accelerate energy and electricity interconnection projects, including the ELMED project.
- The projects aim to enhance energy security, promote the transition to renewable energy, and support the country's economic development.
- The two parties emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and working together to push joint projects to advanced stages.
