The European Union Delegation in Tunisia has officially launched the application window for the “Rawafed +” investment grant. Applications are now submitted exclusively through POPS, the centralized digital portal for project financing and subsidies. Mark your calendars: the first review committee meeting is scheduled for September 7, 2026.
How the Grant Works
The grant covers 10% of the approved amount from the European Investment Bank (EIB) credit line, with a minimum of €1,000 and a maximum of €50,000. This is a non-repayable award, automatically granted once eligibility is confirmed.
Key Conditions & Timeline
To qualify, applicants must meet two cumulative requirements:
- ✅ Hold an official EIB funding notification
- ✅ Fulfill at least one of the bank’s social impact criteria:
- Project located in a priority zone
- Job creation for youth or women
- Improved access to the labor market
- Commitment to sustainable development practices
Applicants have four months from their EIB notification to submit their complete file. The application window remains open until the funding envelope is exhausted, with a hard deadline of December 2027.
A €170 Million Initiative Led by Expertise France
Backed by the EU and implemented on the ground by Expertise France, this program supports the “Tunisia – Economic Recovery” credit line (€170M, EIB). Over a 48-month period (July 2024 – June 2028), it delivers a comprehensive support ecosystem:
- Technical assistance for financial institutions
- Impact-driven grants
- Dedicated advisory services for SMEs
- Financial literacy and capacity-building programs
Why This Matters for Tunisian SMEs
For Tunisian small and medium-sized enterprises, combining EIB credit with this non-repayable grant significantly reduces the real cost of financing. This is a strategic funding lever—particularly valuable for projects in inland regions or led by young entrepreneurs.
📅 Act now: Secure your EIB notification, prepare your POPS submission, and capitalize on this opportunity before the €170M envelope is depleted.
