On September 23, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdel Hafiz, met with Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, Regional Director for the Maghreb and Malta at the World Bank, and Ary Naim, new Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The meeting focused on the current state of cooperation and future prospects. Abdel Hafiz highlighted the existing level of cooperation and expressed hope for its enhancement in the coming phase, particularly in vital areas such as water, energy, health, and social protection.
The Tunisian minister emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the IFC, especially in supporting the private sector and improving the business climate. Abdel Hafiz also mentioned the possibility of expanding cooperation to include infrastructure development, given the significant projects outlined in the 2026-2030 development plan. The World Bank officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Tunisia's reform and development programs.
Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye expressed the World Bank's readiness to enhance cooperation within the framework of the Country Partnership Program, which is set to be prepared soon. This program aims to align with Tunisia's priorities and objectives outlined in its upcoming five-year plan. Ndiaye acknowledged the resilience of the Tunisian economy despite external shocks and a challenging global economic environment.
Ary Naim, the new Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa at the IFC, echoed the institution's commitment to strengthening financial and technical cooperation with Tunisia. This cooperation focuses on supporting the private sector and improving the business climate. Naim highlighted the potential for development and expansion of activities, given the available opportunities and resources.
The meeting between the Tunisian minister and World Bank officials took place as part of Ndiaye's working visit to Tunisia. The visit aimed to review ongoing cooperation programs and explore new avenues for collaboration. Tunisia has been working to enhance its economic development and improve the living standards of its citizens.
The World Bank has been a key partner for Tunisia in supporting its economic development and reform programs. The institution has provided financing and technical assistance for various projects in the country, including those related to infrastructure, energy, and social protection. The enhanced cooperation is expected to contribute to Tunisia's economic growth and development.
The Tunisian government has been implementing various reforms and development programs to address economic challenges and improve the business climate. The cooperation with the World Bank and IFC is seen as crucial in supporting these efforts and achieving sustainable economic growth. The two parties are expected to finalize the Country Partnership Program soon, outlining the framework for their future cooperation.
Key points
- The World Bank and Tunisia have pledged to enhance cooperation in areas such as water, energy, health, and social protection.
- The cooperation aims to support Tunisia's economic development and reform programs.
- The Country Partnership Program is expected to be finalized soon, outlining the framework for future cooperation between Tunisia and the World Bank.
