Economic Cooperation between Tunisia and Italy Enters a More Ambitious Phase
The economic cooperation between Tunisia and Italy is entering a more ambitious phase, driven by a common desire to transform existing exchanges into a genuine industrial platform focused on Africa. This was the central message conveyed during the opening of the Tunisia Investment Forum (TIF 2026), organized in Tunis by FIPA-Tunisia.
A Long-Standing Partnership
Enrico Maria Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle and President of Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, highlighted the depth of economic relations between the two countries. With over 900 Italian companies currently active in Tunisia, operating in key sectors such as textiles, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, agri-food, and digital technology, this presence translates into a stable and long-term partnership. Bagnasco emphasized the factors supporting this dynamic, including geographical proximity, the quality of Tunisian skills, and trade agreements with the European Union.
Logistical Advantages
He illustrated this proximity with a striking image: "a Rome-Tunis flight is shorter than a Rome-Milan flight," underscoring a logistical reality that reinforces the country's attractiveness. The data also shows an intensification of Italian investment flows abroad, with 446 million euros recorded in the first half of 2025 in certain markets, an indicator used to illustrate the ability of Italian companies to deploy abroad and consolidate their presence in partner economies like Tunisia.
Strategic Orientation: Tunisia as an Industrial and Logistics Hub
At the heart of the speech, a strategic orientation was repeatedly emphasized: making Tunisia an industrial and logistics hub towards the African continent. "We must work together to make Tunisia a joint development platform towards Africa," Enrico Maria Bagnasco declared, calling for the strengthening of common industrial projects and shared value chains. This vision is part of the Plan Mattei, which strengthens Italian cooperation with several African countries, including Tunisia, particularly in the areas of energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
The Digital Sector: A Strategic Component
The digital sector also occupies a strategic place in this cooperation. Sparkle, present in Tunisia for over 50 years, handles approximately 50% of the country's international traffic, confirming the central role of digital infrastructure in Tunisia's economic competitiveness and international openness. Beyond investments, the speech emphasized training and skill transfer. Italian initiatives include technical and managerial training programs aimed at strengthening the autonomy of local talent and supporting the growth of Tunisia's industrial ecosystem.
A Promising Future for Tunisia-Italy Cooperation
The Tunisia Investment Forum (TIF 2026) marks a significant step forward in the economic cooperation between Tunisia and Italy, with a shared vision of transforming their partnership into a driving force for industrial and economic growth in Africa. As the two countries continue to work together, the future of their cooperation looks promising, with opportunities for mutual benefit and development in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital technology.
