In a significant push to revitalize rural economies and empower a new generation of farmers, a dedicated “agri-accelerator” hub has been launched in the north-west of Tunisia, targeting young entrepreneurs in the strategic sheep-milk and olive oil sectors.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA), the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), aims to transform local agricultural ideas into viable, thriving businesses in the governorate of Beja.
Dubbed the Agri-accelerator Hub, the program is casting a wide net for talent. It is actively seeking project holders aged between 18 and 40 who reside in the Beja governorate and possess a vision for launching their own ventures. The hub is designed to support a diverse range of projects, from primary farming operations to value-added processing and innovative agricultural services, specifically within the sheep-milk and olive oil value chains.
“This hub is more than just funding; it’s about building capacity and fostering sustainable growth from the ground up,” explained a representative from the collaborative partnership. “By focusing on these two key sectors and empowering the youth who know their communities best, we are investing in the long-term resilience and prosperity of this region.”
The north-west of Tunisia, with Beja at its heart, is renowned for its agricultural potential, particularly in olive cultivation and livestock farming. However, the region has often faced challenges related to economic marginalization and a lack of opportunities for its younger population, leading to rural exodus.
The new accelerator directly addresses this gap by providing selected candidates with a comprehensive support package. This is expected to include technical training, business development services, access to modern technology, and mentorship, helping them to navigate the complexities of launching and scaling an agri-business.
The focus on sheep-milk and olive oil is strategic. Both sectors have deep roots in Tunisian culture and hold significant potential for value addition, niche market development, and export. By supporting innovation in these traditional industries, the hub aims to create new economic pathways and elevate the quality and marketability of local products.
For aspiring young agro-entrepreneurs in Beja, the hub represents a tangible opportunity to turn their passion for agriculture into a profitable and future-proof career, ensuring that the fertile lands of north-west Tunisia continue to be worked and cherished by the generations to come.
Video credit: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
