Month: June 2025

Tunisia targets $518mm in untapped export potential to Sub-Saharan Africa

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Tunisia aims to unlock an additional $518 million in untapped export potential with sub-Saharan Africa, a strategic move designed to bolster its presence within African value chains. This initiative underscores Tunisia’s ambition to forge enduring economic ties across the continent. Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, highlighted that Tunisia, a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) since 2018, saw its trade with sub-Saharan countries reach $550 million by 2024, with exports accounting for $425 million. This represents an impressive average annual growth of 9.7 percent…

A Glimpse into India’s Biotechnology Brilliance: My Visit to Biocon

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By Douha Essaafi As a Tunisian journalist invited by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Indian Embassy in Tunis, I recently had the unique opportunity to explore the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Indian innovation. Among the many remarkable institutions I visited, one stood out for its scientific excellence and inspiring journey: Biocon, India’s pioneering biopharmaceutical company. Founded in 1978 by the visionary entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon has grown from a small industrial enzymes company into one of Asia’s most reputable names in biotechnology. Headquartered in Bengaluru,…

Honoris United Universities Supports AfricaTek 2025 to Advance Emerging Technologies

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Honoris United Universities, the first and largest pan-African private higher education network, proudly supported and participated in AfricaTek 2025, the 8th edition of the EAI International Conference on Emerging Technologies for Developing Countries, hosted by Honoris member institution ESPRIT. Under the theme “Emerging Technologies: Pathways to Resilience and Growth in Africa,” the conference served as a platform for exploring how AI and emerging technologies are shaping inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. The theme reflected a shared conviction that technology is no longer a luxury in Africa, it is…

Tunisia and Turkey agree to strengthen cooperation in several areas

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On the occasion of a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Ali Nafti, and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the 51st session of the OIC Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Saturday and Sunday in Istanbul Tunisia and Turkey have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in a number of areas, Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti said on his X account on Sunday evening. Nafti was speaking after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the 51st session of the…

Tunisia to chair CDC North Africa Regional Center

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Tunisia has been appointed to lead the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Regional Center for North Africa. This appointment comes as African health priorities are being strategically redeployed in the post-pandemic era. The decision was unanimously approved during the regional steering committee meeting held in Cairo. While Tunisia will chair the center, its headquarters will remain in the Egyptian capital. The Tunisian delegation, led by Minister of Health Mustapha Ferjani, welcomed the appointment, viewing it as recognition of the country’s dedicated public health efforts. This new…

IOM confirms two shipwrecks, at least 60 people missing, feared dead

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File photo used as illustration: Rescue operations underway at Abusitta Base in Tripoli, Libya | Photo: Moayad Zaghdani /IOM 2024 The UN Migration Agency (IOM) on June 17 confirmed that two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya in the last week may have resulted in at least 60 people missing, believed to be dead. Two ship wrecks, thought to have taken place on June 12 and June 13 last week are believed to have resulted in at least 60 people missing, now believed to be dead, confirmed the UN Migration Agency…

Sustainable Practices Help North African Producers Triumph in Tough Season

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Producers from Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt overcame drought and heat to earn 16 awards at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Producers in North Africa faced challenges in olive oil production due to labor shortages, high temperatures, and insufficient rainfall, but Tunisian, Moroccan, and Egyptian producers showcased resilience and adaptation at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Despite these challenges, high-quality olive oil from Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt received recognition and awards, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and climate adaptation in olive oil production. The challenging conditions…

Construction work underway for Tunisia’s $257 million Bizerte Bridge

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Construction is now well underway for the new $257 million bridge that will connect the Tunisian city of Bizerte. The majority of the work is being carried out by Chinese company, Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG), which has a $206 million contract for the project.  The new bridge will link Zarzouna and Menzel Abderrahmane in Bizerte, spanning the Bizerete Canal. SRBG is building the 2.1km bridge, featuring a steel deck and reinforced concrete construction, with 19 spans and providing 60m of clearance for vessels to pass underneath. The project is…

Africa: Foreign investment hit record high in 2024 – UNCTAD

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Foreign investment in Africa surged by 75% to reach an all-time high of $97 billion in 2024, bolstered by liberalization and facilitation efforts across the continent. The latest World Investment Report from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights a significant rebound in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Africa. In 2024, foreign investment in the continent shot up by 75% to reach $97 billion, representing 6% of global FDI, compared to a 4% share the year before. The surge was largely driven by an international project finance deal for urban development in…

CTN schedules 149 trips to ensure the return of Tunisians living abroad

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The Compagnie tunisienne de navigation (CTN) has scheduled 149 crossings between June and September 2025 to facilitate the return of Tunisians living abroad during the summer season. These crossings break down as follows: 77 trips on the Tunis/Marseille (France) route and 72 on the Tunisia/Genoa (Italy) route, including 9 to the port of Zarzis. The “Carthage” and “Tanit” vessels will operate these routes. The “Tanit” docked at midday on Wednesday at the port of Marseille, in the south of France, from the port of La Goulette, marking the first return…