Africa's Economic Future Takes Shape in Tunisia
Under the blue sky of Tunis, on June 11 and 12, 2026, Africa's economic future was no longer a distant prospect, but a present reality. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, concluded a two-day official visit marked by a clear observation: Tunisia is no longer just a signatory state, but one of the pioneering actors in the African single market.
A Pioneering Role for Tunisia
The AfCFTA agreement, ratified in 2020, quickly found resonance in Tunisia. The country has progressively laid the foundations for its integration into the African market by adapting its tariff lists, establishing a national monitoring committee, developing a dedicated strategy, and participating in the continent's first trade tests.
Key Meetings and Discussions
During his visit, Wamkele Mene met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, as well as the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion. He also spoke at the International Diplomatic Academy of Tunis in front of representatives of the African diplomatic corps. A meeting with Tunisian business leaders allowed for discussions on the challenges of the next stage, focusing on how to transform the advantages provided by the agreement into real business opportunities.
Progress and Opportunities
The first results are already visible. Over 300 certificates of origin have been issued to Tunisian companies, allowing them to access the tariff advantages provided by the agreement. Tunisia is also participating in the Guided Trade Initiative, a mechanism designed to test trade flows between member states in real conditions. Tourism is among the service sectors considered a priority.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
For AfCFTA officials, the real challenge now lies in the economic field. Tunisian exports are still largely oriented towards Europe, while the African market offers significant growth prospects. The automotive components industry illustrates this reality, with approximately 280 companies, employing nearly 120,000 people, and generating 3.9 billion euros in exports, mainly destined for the European market.
A New Frontier for Trade
In the face of this concentration, the continental market appears as a new trade frontier. The AfCFTA opens access to an economic space of 1.4 billion consumers. According to the Export Promotion Center (CEPEX), Tunisia's untapped potential on African markets exceeds $1.2 billion.
Medium-Term Prospects
The medium-term prospects are also encouraging. According to estimates by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Tunisian exports to Africa could almost double by 2035 if the agreement's mechanisms are fully applied.
Tunisia's Advantages
Tunisia has several advantages to capitalize on this dynamic. Its geographical position, industrial fabric, and expertise in manufacturing and agro-food activities enable it to strengthen its role as a link between North Africa and the rest of the continent.
Tools for Integration
To support this opening, several tools have been deployed. The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) facilitates transactions in African currencies and reduces the costs associated with cross-border payments. An electronic tariff book allows companies to consult the available customs benefits on each market. A mechanism for reporting non-tariff barriers has also been established to help operators resolve obstacles encountered in their exchanges. A fund complements this system by supporting implementation efforts and certain private sector projects.
Continental Progress
At the continental level, the AfCFTA continues to gain ground. The agreement has been signed by 54 of the 55 member states of the African Union and ratified by 50 countries. This economic space represents a combined gross domestic product estimated at $3.4 trillion.
Protocols and Exchanges
The 8 protocols planned under the agreement have now been adopted, covering trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property, competition, digital trade, women and youth issues, and dispute settlement. Exchanges are also beginning to take shape, with over 9,000 certificates of origin already issued on the continent under the AfCFTA regime.
A New Era for African Trade
During his press conference, Wamkele Mene recalled that the agreement had entered a concrete phase. "The African Continental Free Trade Area is no longer a negotiation, it's an operational reality, and Tunisia is one of the countries that proves it," he stated. Mene also emphasized the ultimate goal of this continental integration: "An agreement is not measured by the elegance of its text, but by the ability of its benefits to reach everyone."
Tunisia's Challenge
As several projections place Africa among the world's leading economic powers by 2050, Tunisia today faces a decisive challenge. Its regulatory advance is recognized, and it now remains to be converted into sustainable commercial successes and new opportunities for its companies on the African continent.
Future Initiatives
According to information obtained by Managers, Tunisia could host the next edition of Biashara Afrika, one of the main continental platforms dedicated to promoting trade and investment under the AfCFTA. The project is currently under study and aims to strengthen the country's positioning as a gateway to African markets.
Digital Platform
Managers has also learned that a digital platform is being developed to facilitate the application and appropriation of the agreement by the various stakeholders concerned. This tool aims to support private companies in understanding the mechanisms of the AfCFTA, accessing regulatory information, programs, training, and identifying opportunities offered by the continental market.
Alignment with the African Union's Agenda 2063
This initiative is part of the objectives of the African Union's Agenda 2063, which places economic integration, the development of intra-African trade, and the creation of a common market among the continent's priorities.
