Enfidha Deep-Sea Port: Construction Set to Begin in Early 2028
Thirty-eight years after the initial announcements and eighteen years after the launch of feasibility studies, the Enfidha deep-sea port project has finally crossed a milestone long awaited by economic stakeholders: a concrete timeline.
During the "Seaports Days" conference held in Tunis on Tuesday, September 22, Transport Minister Rachid Amri announced that construction works are scheduled to commence in early 2028, less than a year and a half from now.
Technical and Economic Revisions
This announcement implies a comprehensive revision of the project’s technical, economic, and environmental data to align with 2026 standards. Key areas under review include:
- Construction costs
- Regulatory requirements
- Modern port technologies
- The total project budget
Originally estimated at around 5 billion Tunisian dinars in the early 2020s, the total cost is expected to increase significantly due to cumulative inflation since that period.
The Critical Issue: Financing
Financing remains the most critical challenge, having historically been the primary factor behind the stalling of similar projects in Tunisia. Minister Amri adopted a deliberately broad approach, stating that all potential funding avenues are under consideration. These include:
- Sovereign or institutional loans
- Partnerships with private operators
While no option has been formally excluded, none has been definitively selected yet. For business managers and economic decision-makers, this ambiguity remains the key point to monitor closely.
Potential Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
The presence of representatives from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and interested American private sector actors at the same conference suggests that a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, or a "project finance" structure involving guarantees and credit lines, is being seriously considered. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding the final financial structure.
U.S. Support and Expertise
Bill Bazzi, the U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, emphasized that Tunisia has a clear vision for developing and modernizing its maritime sector but requires capable partners to help realize this ambition.
When asked about the potential contribution of American institutions and experts, Ambassador Bazzi noted that U.S. companies possess extensive experience in executing large-scale infrastructure projects, both domestically and internationally. Their expertise covers:
- Port construction and modernization
- Shipbuilding
- Compliance with international quality and safety standards
- Respect for the national sovereignty of partner countries
The Ambassador also highlighted the capacity of U.S. entities to propose financing solutions and support the implementation of structuring projects.
DFC’s Role in the Port Sector
In this context, the Ambassador pointed to the participation of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in the workshop dedicated to the development of Tunisia’s port sector. This meeting brought together:
- American companies interested in port infrastructure, particularly deep-sea ports
- Financial institutions willing to support such projects
According to the Ambassador, these actors have a long track record and are ready to share their experience with their Tunisian partners.
Integrated Offer for Tunisia
Regarding the Enfidha deep-sea port project specifically, Bill Bazzi confirmed the interest of American companies in potentially participating. He stated that U.S. companies and institutions can offer Tunisia an integrated package combining:
- Cutting-edge engineering
- Technical expertise
- Adherence to international standards
- Tailored financing mechanisms
This approach could also extend to the modernization of the ports of Radès, Bizerte, Zarzis, and Gabès. These facilities are essential for enhancing Tunisia’s logistical competitiveness, supporting trade exchanges, and improving its integration into regional and international value chains.
A History of Delays
Despite the recent announcement, the history of the Enfidha project is marked by dates that were announced and subsequently postponed. Therefore, the declaration of a "start in early 2028" should be viewed less as a certainty and more as a political commitment that must be upheld.
