Tunisian Government Accelerates Public Projects
The Head of Government, Sarrah Zaâfrani Zenzri, led a meeting of the higher commission responsible for accelerating public projects on January 26, 2026. The discussions focused on two pillars of the Tunisian relaunch: the ELMED electrical interconnection project and the Mdhilla 2 phosphate plant.
From Planning to Concrete Action
For the Head of Government, the absolute priority is to deliver ongoing projects with a maximum quality requirement. The stakes are multiple: boosting national growth, improving the business climate to attract investors, creating jobs, and ensuring equitable development between regions. She was very clear: administrative obstacles must be lifted without delay, and each party will be held responsible for any unjustified delay.
ELMED: The Energy Bridge between Tunisia and Italy
The ELMED project is not just a simple cable; it's a real breath of fresh air for the country's energy transition. This 200 km underwater link will connect El Mlaâbi (Nabeul) to Sicily, plunging up to 800 meters under the Mediterranean. Key points to remember about the project:
- Capacity: 600 MW under a voltage of 500 kV.
- Infrastructure: Two high-tech conversion stations and a continuous monitoring system.
- Impact: Enhanced network security and bidirectional electricity exchange. For Sarrah Zaâfrani Zenzri, ELMED is the keystone of Tunisia's ambition: achieving 35% renewable energy by 2030 and becoming a central player in the future Euro-African electricity market.
Mdhilla 2: Restoring Phosphate to its Former Glory
The other major issue concerns the Mdhilla 2 refined phosphate plant. The idea is simple but ambitious: to stop just extracting phosphate and finally transform it locally into a high-value-added product. This project is seen as the driving force behind the industrial renaissance of the mining basin. In addition to boosting exports, Mdhilla 2 promises to create many jobs in the region, transforming a raw natural resource into a real lever of national wealth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Head of Government reiterated her call for vigilance and speed. A rigorous follow-up will now be the rule to ensure that these development promises become a tangible reality for Tunisians.
