Tunisia Seeks to Attract New French Investment in Health Industries
Tunisia is actively working to attract new French investment in its health sector. FIPA-Tunisia and the Franco-Tunisian Chamber of Commerce (CCFT) hosted Érick Lellouche, President of Lyonbiopôle Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, as part of a mission dedicated to the health, life sciences, and innovation sectors.
Exploring Research Infrastructure and Local Partners
The delegation visited the Sidi Thabet Technopole and the Pasteur Institute of Tunis to explore local research infrastructure and engage with key industry players. Discussions focused on potential cooperation opportunities between Tunisian companies and research institutions and their counterparts in Lyon.
The primary goal is to strengthen partnerships in:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Medical devices
- Research and development
These sectors offer significant opportunities for industrial collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the development of new production capabilities.
Lyonbiopôle: A Strategic Partner for Growth
Lyonbiopôle serves as a crucial gateway to achieving these objectives. As a major competitiveness cluster, it represents a substantial network of potential partners, comprising:
- 236 members in total
- 181 SMEs
- 23 large groups and mid-sized enterprises
In 2025, Lyonbiopôle supported 177 research and innovation projects. Additionally, companies within its network raised €153.8 million from private investors.
Highlighting Tunisia’s Investment Appeal
During a meeting at the FIPA-Tunisia headquarters, Director General Jalel Tebib presented the country’s key advantages for foreign investors. He highlighted Tunisia’s:
- Skilled workforce and technical competencies
- Attractive incentive schemes
- Existing presence of foreign companies
- High value-added sectors
The presentation also showcased successful foreign investments already established in Tunisia, underscoring the country’s growing appeal in high-tech and health-related industries.
Next Steps: From Dialogue to Partnership
The mission also included productive exchanges with the Tunisia Investment Authority. The next phase will focus on identifying interested companies and projects with the potential to lead to concrete industrial partnerships.
At this stage, no investment announcements or site establishment agreements have been officially communicated. However, the mission marks a significant step toward deepening economic ties between Tunisia and the French health and innovation ecosystem.
