Tunisia Positions Itself as a Leader in Energy Transition and Climate Change Mitigation
Tunisia has established itself as a pioneer in the transition to a low-carbon economy and the fight against climate change. Since signing the Paris Agreement, the country has defined its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and set ambitious targets. In fact, 70% of the efforts to reduce emissions rely on companies, while the remaining 30% depend on the state.
According to Slim Zghal, CEO of Altea Packaging, this progress is both necessary and strategic. He explains that each country must reduce its emissions, and in Tunisia, companies play a central role. However, to achieve our objectives, it is essential to structure mechanisms and take advantage of available financing.
The Carbon Market: A Key Tool for a Low-Carbon Transition
In the same vein, Zghal affirms that the carbon market is the key instrument for concretizing this transition. "The carbon market operates on the principle of 'polluter pays.' The most polluting companies must reduce their emissions or buy carbon credits. Those that pollute less can sell their credits. This creates an economic incentive to invest in low-carbon projects and reduce overall emissions." This mechanism, known as cap-and-trade, allows for the setting of emission quotas and the creation of a dynamic market where ambitious companies meet those with a deficit in reduction. Furthermore, it covers two aspects: on the one hand, carbon offsetting, which finances reduction, and on the other hand, adaptation, which helps sectors adjust to the impacts of climate change.
Bilateral Financing to Support the Transition
Tunisia is not alone in this endeavor. The country already benefits from international partnerships. "We have agreements with Japan and Switzerland to finance our renewable energy projects. Japan has already enabled the concrete financing of several initiatives. With Switzerland, support of nearly 100 million Swiss francs is planned, but it remains to be finalized the institutional framework to validate the projects," declares the same source.
These mechanisms follow Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which regulates the exchange of carbon credits between countries, and allow for the alignment of climate commitment and concrete financing.
A Lever for Economic Growth
For Slim Zghal, the carbon market is not limited to environmental protection; "it's also an economic lever. It can help us avoid certain carbon taxes at the EU borders and allow us to reinvest these funds in local projects. Success depends on a solid institutional framework and effective coordination between companies and institutions."
A Crucial Step for Tunisia
Tunisia is at a crossroads. Structuring an operational carbon market, securing bilateral financing, and respecting its climate commitments represent a unique opportunity: transforming a global challenge into a local benefit.
"The carbon market is not an abstraction," concludes Slim Zghal. "It's a concrete tool for building a greener, more innovative, and economically sustainable Tunisia."
