On September 25, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Obaid stated that his ministry is working on issuing legal texts related to the Ben Guerdan free zone project. The project, located in the Mednine governorate, aims to provide more flexibility in operations and boost the project's progress. Obaid made these remarks during a working session focused on monitoring the project's progress and finding ways to accelerate its completion.
The Ben Guerdan free zone project is considered a strategic step towards integrating border regions into the national economic cycle and encouraging youth to invest in vital sectors with strategic importance. According to Obaid, the project will create new job opportunities and have positive impacts on Tunisia and neighboring countries. As part of a two-day visit to the Mednine governorate, Obaid attended the working session alongside Governor Walid Tbobubi and several stakeholders.
Obaid emphasized the importance of evaluating and monitoring the project's progress to overcome obstacles by coordinating efforts among stakeholders and defining roles. He highlighted the project's significance as a key component of the land corridor project, which will connect Tunisia to several African countries, reinforcing Tunisia's position as a commercial platform linking Africa to Europe.
Governor Walid Tbobubi viewed the project as an economic and logistical catalyst for Tunisia and a gateway to Libya and African markets. He stressed the need for the next phase to be a decisive implementation phase, with a clear plan and an effective leadership and monitoring mechanism. Tbobubi called on the project's management to operate with a high level of readiness.
Jamal Eddine Al Fahami, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ben Guerdan free zone project management unit, reported that the project is progressing steadily and is about to enter a new phase with a faster pace. The project has completed several stages, including the establishment of a management company and preparation of a business plan. Al Fahami indicated that the project will witness significant progress in the coming period.
The Ben Guerdan free zone project spans 150 hectares and consists of customs-controlled areas for logistical operations, including exports, imports, and transit trade, which account for 70% of the project's activities. The project also includes commercial and administrative areas. Several stakeholders urged acceleration of the project's pace, considering it a priority project that requires greater momentum.
The project's progress has been hampered by the complexity of its requirements and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. However, the authorities are working to overcome these challenges by streamlining coordination and defining clear roles and timelines. The project's completion is expected to have significant economic and social impacts on the region.
Key points
- The Tunisian government is working to finalize legal texts related to the Ben Guerdan free zone project.
- The project aims to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
- The project's completion is expected to enhance Tunisia's position as a commercial platform linking Africa to Europe.
