Tunisia’s Industrial Future: Shifting from Export Hubs to Deepened Local Value Chains
Since the 1970s, Tunisia has successfully built robust export-oriented industries in textiles, mechanics, and electrical and electronic sectors. Looking ahead, Aslan Berjeb, President of the Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia (Conect), is advocating for a strategic shift: investments must now play a more significant role in developing local suppliers, engineering capabilities, and research infrastructure.
A factory can export goods, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. But what remains in its wake when orders slow down or markets shift? This question highlights a fundamental challenge for the Tunisian industrial sector: transforming foreign investments into opportunities for broader development of the local business ecosystem.
This perspective framed the opening address of the first edition of the Tunisia Industry Talks 2026, held in Tunis on October 21. The event was organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, in partnership with Conect and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Tunisia. Focused on competitiveness, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the conference provided a platform to discuss Tunisia’s potential role in the industry of tomorrow.
Building on a Strong Industrial Heritage
Tunisia’s industrial history serves as a solid foundation. Since the 1970s, sectors such as textiles, mechanics, electrical and electronics, and agri-food have integrated Tunisia into global production circuits. This legacy is built on decades of developed enterprises, technical skills, infrastructure, and specialized know-how.
However, according to Aslan Berjeb, this base must now be leveraged to go further. The goal is no longer just to attract production units or participate in global value chains; it is to foster new activities around these investments that retain more value within the country.
“When an investment is established, we must ask ourselves: which Tunisian suppliers can it mobilize? Which Tunisian skills does it develop? And what new activities can it generate around it?” stated Berjeb.
The Maritime Industry as a Model for Value Addition
The maritime industry offers a concrete example of this approach. Shipbuilding is not limited to assembly; it involves design, materials, mechanics, electronics, equipment, and maintenance. These are all specialties that represent potential markets for Tunisian companies. However, local firms must possess the necessary skills, resources, and commercial relationships to integrate into such projects.
This logic applies to other industrial sectors as well. Moving up the value chain requires the ability to intervene earlier in the production process, particularly in design, engineering, and technological development.
“We have high-quality engineers and technicians. Let’s give them the means to develop solutions here that are recognized internationally,” emphasized Aslan Berjeb.
Bridging Industry, Academia, and Research
The convergence of businesses, universities, and scientific research is becoming decisive. The objective is to better convert available skills into marketable solutions, enabling Tunisian companies to position themselves in more complex activities.
As Conect’s president summarized, “The industrial importance of our country exceeds the size of its domestic market. It lies in its capacity to participate in what the world produces.”
Key Conditions for Sustainable Competitiveness
This evolution depends on more than just private sector efforts. Berjeb identified several critical conditions:
- Access to Financing: Ensuring adequate capital for growth and innovation.
- Logistical Performance: Improving supply chain efficiency.
- Procedural Predictability: Creating a stable regulatory environment.
- Education Alignment: Adapting training programs to meet industrial needs.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the integration of artificial intelligence in SMEs, all of which are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape.
An Open Invitation to International Partners
To international partners, Berjeb’s invitation was clear and concise:
“Come design, come produce, come develop new markets with Tunisian companies.”
Conclusion: Deepening the Industrial Fabric
The ultimate challenge posed by this intervention is the depth of Tunisia’s industrial fabric. Beyond the investments attracted and export volumes achieved, the key question is whether local companies can secure a more significant role in design, technology, and the activities surrounding production. The goal is to transform Tunisia from a mere production hub into a center of innovation and high-value industrial activity.
