AICS and Amen Bank Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Sustainable Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries in Tunisia
Pursuing their commitment to sustainability in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries in Tunisia, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and Amen Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding defining the objectives, contributions, and responsibilities of each party within the ADAPT program framework.
This partnership aims to strengthen sustainable practices and green economic development by providing innovative and accessible financing solutions to actors in the targeted sectors. The ADAPT program, funded by the European Union and implemented by AICS in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), launched the second phase of the ADAPT Invest financial support mechanism on March 18, 2024.
With an initial endowment of €25 million, this mechanism encourages and promotes private investments committed to sustainable development in the agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries sectors in Tunisia, thereby supporting a greener and more inclusive economy. Recognizing the importance of financial institutions in accessing the necessary financing for these investments, the program is turning to strategic partnerships with Tunisian banks.
In this context, a ceremony was held at Amen Bank's headquarters, attended by the bank's CEO, Neji Ghandri, and Andrea Senatori, Director of AICS Tunis, who signed the memorandum of understanding and officially announced the strategic partnership between the two institutions within the ADAPT program framework.
Neji Ghandri stated that Amen Bank is positioning itself as a key player in promoting green economy and sustainable development, favoring initiatives that respond to environmental challenges while stimulating economic growth and community well-being.
He added that by integrating sustainable practices into its operations and supporting eco-responsible projects, Amen Bank is actively contributing to the transition towards a more environmentally respectful economic model. Andrea Senatori, Director of AICS Tunis, emphasized that "the memorandum of understanding signed with Amen Bank is crucial for the implementation of the ADAPT program in Tunisia. By collaborating with a leading financial institution, we improve access to financing for sustainable projects."
He further stated that "this initiative reinforces our capacity to support private investments that respond to environmental challenges while promoting economic and social development in the country."
The strategic partnership with Amen Bank is essential for ADAPT. As a leading financial institution in Tunisia, Amen Bank plays a vital role in implementing the program by facilitating access to financing for actors in the targeted sectors.
This partnership not only strengthens the bank's institutional capacities but also extends the program's impact through the bank's network, significantly contributing to Tunisia's sustainable and green development.