The Tunisian-African Business Council has set an ambitious goal to increase Tunisian exports to Africa to 13 billion dinars by 2030. Currently, exports to Africa stand at 6.5 billion dinars, accounting for 10% of Tunisia's total trade. The council's president, Anis Al-Jaziri, believes that this goal is achievable through enhanced cooperation between the government, private sector, and civil society. He emphasized that the African market offers significant opportunities for investment, export, and development of Tunisian presence.
The Tunisian-African Business Council has been actively promoting Tunisian exports to Africa over the past decade, targeting 44 markets in West, Central, and East Africa. In the next five years, the council plans to explore the remaining African markets, with a focus on countries with promising potential, such as South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Al-Jaziri noted that the council's efforts have led to a significant increase in exports to Africa, but there is still room for growth.
To achieve its goal, the Tunisian-African Business Council has developed a five-year plan to enhance the presence of Tunisian institutions in African markets and double the value of Tunisian exports to Africa. The plan includes the creation of sectoral clusters in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and healthcare. These clusters will enable Tunisian companies to work together and offer integrated solutions to African markets.
One of the key challenges facing Tunisian companies in Africa is financing. To address this issue, the Tunisian-African Business Council plans to establish an African business bank, Veranga Investment Partners, by 2029. The bank will provide financing for Tunisian companies operating in Africa and will be managed in partnership with African banks and investment funds.
The Tunisian-African Business Council also plans to establish a holding company, TABC Holding, which will bring together various sectoral clusters and the African business bank. The holding company will be listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange and the Regional Stock Exchange of West Africa. Al-Jaziri believes that this will enable the council to raise capital and expand its presence in Africa.
Despite the challenges, Tunisian companies have shown resilience in Africa. Al-Jaziri noted that one of the main obstacles is the lack of direct shipping lines and limited air connectivity. However, companies have adapted to these challenges by using alternative routes and transportation methods. The council is working to address these issues by promoting the development of logistics and transportation infrastructure.
The Tunisian-African Business Council believes that its strategy will contribute to the growth of Tunisian exports to Africa and promote economic integration between Tunisia and the African continent. The council's efforts are expected to have a positive impact on Tunisia's economy and reinforce the country's position as a key player in African trade.
Key points
- - Tunisian exports to Africa are expected to reach 13 billion dinars by 2030. - The Tunisian-African Business Council plans to establish an African business bank to provide financing for Tunisian companies operating in Africa. - The council aims to create sectoral clusters in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and healthcare to enhance the presence of Tunisian institutions in African markets.
