Tunisia Accelerates Efforts to Attract Foreign Investment Through Strengthened IFC Partnership

Tunisia is actively seeking to accelerate the mobilization of new foreign direct investment (FDI), placing significant emphasis on strengthening its cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This strategic move was highlighted during a high-level meeting held on September 21 between Maiko Miyake, the IFC’s Regional Manager for Advisory Services and Entrepreneurship Support, and Jalel Tebib, Director General of FIPA-Tunisia and Interim President of the Tunisian Investment Authority (TIA).

Core Objectives of the Partnership

The central focus of the discussions was identifying ways to deepen the partnership between the two institutions. A primary goal is to pinpoint specific projects and corporate needs that could benefit from IFC financing. The IFC delegation, which also included Vincent Arthur Floreani, the IFC’s Country Manager for Tunisia, and Mehdi El Batti, Head of Operations, engaged in detailed talks with FIPA regarding opportunities to optimize their collaboration, ensuring each entity operates within its respective areas of expertise.

Strategic Targets and Institutional Commitment

For FIPA, this collaboration is directly linked to its ambitious target of securing 4 billion Tunisian dinars in foreign direct investment by the end of 2026. Jalel Tebib confirmed that investment promotion efforts will be intensified to meet this milestone.

In response, Maiko Miyake reaffirmed the IFC’s commitment to supporting investment promotion in Tunisia. The IFC plans to work closely with FIPA to:

Identify potential needs of local and international companies.
Pinpoint projects eligible for IFC financing.

Bridging Investment Projects with Financing Solutions

This initiative presents a significant opportunity for both Tunisian enterprises and foreign investors. Beyond simply promoting Tunisia as an investment destination, the cooperation aims to bridge the gap between investment projects and the IFC’s financing and advisory solutions. The IFC specializes in private sector financing and advisory services in emerging markets, making this partnership a critical tool for unlocking capital.

Existing Portfolio and Recent Successes

The IFC already maintains a robust portfolio of operations in Tunisia. Notably, in 2026, the institution approved financing of up to €52 million to support the expansion of Marquardt Automotive Tunisia, a key player in the automotive components sector. This funding is designed to cover investment expenditures and working capital needs associated with the company’s growth.

Conclusion: A Catalyst for Private Sector Growth

This new chapter in the FIPA–IFC relationship is more than just an institutional rapprochement. It serves as a catalyst for emerging and structuring new private sector projects in Tunisia. By aligning promotion strategies with concrete financing mechanisms, both institutions aim to achieve a marked increase in investment mobilization, reinforcing Tunisia’s position as a competitive hub for foreign direct investment.