Qawafel Project: Supporting Tunisian Businesses in African Markets
Since February 2025, the Qawafel project, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France, has been accompanying 5 Tunisian public structures (GICA, PACKTEC, CTC, AFI, and APII) in strengthening their support systems for internationalizing businesses in African markets.
A Bilateral Cooperation between Tunisia and France
This program is part of a cooperation dynamic between Tunisia and France, oriented towards a more concrete approach to economic development and regional integration. The French Ambassador to Tunisia highlighted a bilateral relationship that is "dense and forward-looking" and presented Qawafel as an initiative inspired by the image of caravans, symbolizing shared journeys and multiple development trajectories.
Operational Progress
An operational workshop was held to present the actions taken with the structures under the Ministry of Industry, particularly in terms of technical assistance and structuring support systems. The project aims to support the expansion of Tunisian startups and SMEs to several African countries, including Senegal, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya, in sectors such as construction, health, higher education, agri-food, and digital technology.
Challenges and Solutions
According to Mazen Al Kassem, expert and project leader, over 250 public and private actors have been sensitized within the framework of Qawafel. He indicates that the main obstacles concern access to market information, understanding customer needs, as well as regulatory, logistical, financial, and banking constraints, in addition to a lack of structured support. To address these challenges, a cell of economic intelligence, supported by generative artificial intelligence tools, is being set up with the Tunisian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate access to information and strengthen support for SMEs.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The objective is to reach a wide range of actors and ensure the sustainability of the systems beyond 2027, particularly through the training of cadres from the concerned institutions. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the internationalization of Tunisian startups and SMEs, leveraging the country's geographical advantages and local competencies.
On-the-Ground Support
Qawafel has provided targeted support to several public structures. The AFI has been accompanied in a feasibility study for the creation of an international structure dedicated to promoting Tunisian know-how in industrial zone management. Training actions have also strengthened the skills of executives within PACKTEC and CTC. Additionally, the APII has benefited from support to establish a strategic partnership with the investment promotion agency of the Democratic Republic of Congo, opening up new cooperation perspectives. The GICA has been accompanied in a better analysis of African markets, particularly for agri-food products and canned goods.
Project Overview
The Qawafel project, with a duration of 44 months and a budget of approximately 3.8 million euros, is under the aegis of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, in partnership with public and private actors. The project is expected to contribute significantly to the economic development of Tunisia and the integration of its businesses into African markets.
