Launch of the "Digital Trade and E-Commerce in the MENA Region" Program
On December 4, 2025, Tunisia officially launched the "Digital Trade and E-Commerce in the MENA Region" program, aimed at stimulating digital commerce and strengthening regional economic integration. The ceremony was held at the Mövenpick du Lac hotel, under the auspices of the Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid.
Partnership and Economic Growth
During the event, Giuseppe Perrone, Ambassador of the European Union to Tunisia, highlighted the importance of the Tunisian-European partnership. According to him, the association agreement signed 30 years ago has supported the country's economic growth, quadrupled Tunisian exports to the EU, and attracted nearly 48% of foreign investments, with around 3,400 European companies employing over 400,000 people.
Digital Commerce as a Strategic Lever
Today, digital commerce is becoming a strategic lever. "Modernizing digital tools, generalizing electronic signatures and invoicing, strengthening cross-border payment solutions, and establishing a regulatory framework including data and consumer protection are all necessary steps," he explains. He adds that the program aims to support the administration in regulatory modernization and support the private sector through public-private dialogue. "It particularly targets young people, offering new job opportunities and enabling Tunisian SMEs to project themselves onto international markets with more agility and speed," declares Giuseppe Perrone.
Cooperation and Competitiveness
For her part, Jacqueline Groth, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Tunis, emphasized that this initiative is part of Tunisia's digital transformation strategy, aiming to modernize cross-border trade and strengthen the competitiveness of companies on international markets. She praised Tunisia's efforts, which have been engaged in an ambitious digital dynamic for several years: "Tunisia has all the assets today: a strategic geographical position, a dynamic digital ecosystem, a high level of connectivity, and the ability to quickly align with international standards thanks to numerous digitalization projects underway."
Program Objectives
The program will provide technical support and digital tools to overcome obstacles to cross-border trade. Jacqueline Groth also recalled the solidity of the Tunisian-German partnership, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. The program is structured around 5 axes:
- Harmonization of legal frameworks between countries in the region.
- Development of digital tools: payment solutions, electronic signatures, dedicated platforms.
- Modernization of customs and logistics procedures.
- Strengthening the capacities of SMEs and BSOs, thanks to public-private dialogue.
- Promotion of regional cooperation, particularly through the Union for the Mediterranean.
Testimonials and Potential
Several testimonials from Tunisian companies, already engaged in internationalization through e-commerce, illustrated the country's considerable potential: a growing digital ecosystem, adapted logistics solutions, and a regulatory framework in the process of modernization.
Budget and Implementation
According to the organizers, the program will contribute to fluidifying cross-border exchanges, supporting innovation, creating jobs, and positioning Tunisia as a key player in digital commerce in the MENA region. With a budget of nearly 12 million euros, co-financed by the European Union in Tunisia and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the program is implemented by the GIZ and the International Trade Center (ITC) in collaboration with the Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development. It covers 8 countries in the MENA region: Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, and Palestine. The initiative aims to strengthen digital commerce, regional economic integration, and facilitate access to international markets for Tunisian SMEs.
