Tunisia Global Forum: Diaspora Entrepreneurs Share Their Success Stories
Under the theme "Innovate to Attract, Invest to Transform," the second edition of the Tunisia Global Forum, held on July 22, gave the floor to entrepreneurs from the diaspora.
Investing in Tunisia: A Pragmatic Approach
A conference titled "Diaspora: Is it Worth Investing in Tunisia?" addressed the motivations and challenges related to the economic engagement of those who have built careers abroad.
The debate focused on concrete experiences, showing that returning to Tunisia is not solely driven by family ties, but also by a desire to drive economic projects forward.
Sofiane Haj Taieb: A Success Story
Sofiane Haj Taieb, Chairman of LFIS Capital and international active fund manager, shared his journey. He recalled leaving Tunisia's public school system to pursue high-level studies and a career in finance in France and globally. Yet, for over 20 years, he has been making regular investments in Tunisia, often motivated by personal ties but also by his conviction in the country's local advantages.
From Agriculture to Renewable Energy
His first investment was in agriculture, a sector he describes as "millennial" and rich in history for Tunisia. This emotional connection is combined with a logic of opportunity, with each sector chosen for its local relevance. He then turned to mobile payment about a decade ago, convinced of the importance of financial inclusion and the need to organize cash circulation in the country.
More recently, his projects have developed in renewable energy, a sector where he identifies a possible strategic specialization for Tunisia, which benefits from significant solar potential.
Key to Success: Choosing Reliable Partners
He also notes that the success of such entrepreneurial ventures from abroad relies primarily on choosing reliable and competent partners on the ground.
Diaspora: A Key Player in Investment and Innovation
This testimony confirms that the diaspora can play a crucial role in investment and innovation in Tunisia. However, it requires creating synergies between expertise acquired abroad and local skills, while building solid partnerships capable of supporting sustainable and high-impact projects.
