National Strategy for Waste Reduction and Valorization Adopted in Tunisia
On Monday, March 3, 2025, a restricted ministerial council was held under the presidency of Head of Government Kamel Maddouri to examine the national strategy for waste reduction and valorization, in line with President Kaïs Saïed's vision for ecological transition and a circular economy. During this meeting, several measures were adopted, including the obligation to reduce waste at the source, the recycling of raw materials, and the expansion of producers' responsibility in the management of industrial waste.
The government has also decided to launch structural projects for the period 2026-2030, such as the creation of waste treatment centers in Sfax, Djerba, and other regions, as well as the construction of biogas valorization units. A fiscal incentive system and regulations to promote the circular economy will also be put in place, in addition to initiatives to raise awareness among the population and encourage ecological entrepreneurship. The government has also emphasized the importance of strengthening international partnerships to access advanced technologies and necessary financing.
In this context, local initiatives like that of the startup WeFix, founded by Sabri Cheriha, stand out. WeFix offers a "one-stop" service for the collection, repair, and recycling of electronic waste, a sector that is booming due to the lack of adequate solutions in Tunisia. This initiative has allowed for the reduction of electronic waste, avoiding 20 tons in 2023 and 80 tons in 2024, and plans to treat an additional 120 tons this year. In addition to its environmental impact, WeFix offers refurbished products at up to 60% lower prices, providing an economic benefit in a country where the average salary is low. However, the challenge of electronic waste in Tunisia is significant, with 140,000 tons generated each year, most of which comes from households that do not have an official recycling system.
WeFix's commitment, despite the larger waste crisis facing the country, highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions. In Tunisia, millions of tons of hazardous waste are dumped into nature each year, exacerbating the environmental crisis, which affects citizens' health. This situation underscores the importance of effective policies and innovative solutions, such as those proposed by WeFix and supported by the new government initiatives, to reduce environmental impact and encourage a circular economic model.
