Strategic location and skilled human resources make Tunisia a gateway to Africa
Canada accepted 3,000 Tunisian applicants out of more than 10,000 who applied for immigration and work permits in February, as part of its efforts to promote Canada as a destination for employment and residence, said Alexandre Bélisle, Canada’s ambassador to Tunisia.
Speaking on Tuesday at a parallel session held during the ninth edition of the FITA 2026 conference on financing trade and investment in Africa, the ambassador explained that those selected possess global expertise and skills that meet his country’s needs.
Modest trade, significant potential
Bélisle stressed that this approach is part of Canada’s broader strategy toward Africa and toward Tunisia in particular. While the volume of bilateral trade remains modest—630.2 million Tunisian dinars in 2025, in Tunisia’s favor—opportunities are substantial, especially as relations between the two countries are built on mutual respect and consultation.
The Canadian ambassador noted that a recent meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti reaffirmed the commitment to further developing trade exchanges, enhancing air connectivity, and promoting tourism, technology, and innovation.
He highlighted that the Canadian mission participating in FITA 2026 comprises 45 companies active in technology, education and training, life sciences, and clean technology—sectors where Canada has deep expertise. Tunisia, he added, is not merely a bilateral trading partner but a strategic gateway to Africa, thanks to its logistical proximity to Europe and to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This represents an opportunity for Canadian firms to form partnerships under trilateral cooperation arrangements, enabling them to access the African market of over one billion consumers.
Economic similarities between Tunisia and Canada
For his part, Ben Marc Diendéré, Canada’s ambassador and special envoy to the African Union, pointed out the similarities between the Canadian and Tunisian economies: both are built on small and medium‑sized enterprises. He noted that 90% of Canadian firms are SMEs and family businesses.
He underscored Tunisia’s importance for Canadian enterprises, describing it as a gateway to Africa. Technologically, Tunisia connects the continent to Europe via submarine fiber‑optic cables. Moreover, thanks to its human skills and expertise—both within the country and abroad—Tunisia can play a leadership role as a bridge to Africa.
Call for trade corridors and financing mechanisms
The Canadian diplomat called for the creation of trade corridors and financing mechanisms, as well as the strengthening of trilateral cooperation. He noted that financial institutions such as the Bank of Canada are well positioned to play a role in this context.
He explained that Canada’s strategy, developed a year ago and targeting the African continent—and Tunisia in particular—places economic diplomacy at its core. The strategy rests on priority pillars: energy in all its forms, agriculture and agri‑investment, education and training, and digital transformation. Two new pillars have recently been added: security and defense and especially port‑related activities and the blue economy.
Diendéré added that this strategy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and is currently examining major African infrastructure projects to determine how Canada can best contribute to their implementation.
TunisianMonitorNews (Tlig Dhouha)
