Japanese automotive components leader NTN Corporation has selected Tunisia as the site for its first industrial project on the African continent. The strategic investment is poised to bolster Tunisia’s credentials as a rising hub for advanced manufacturing and export-oriented industry.
In a powerful endorsement of Tunisia’s industrial strategy, NTN Corporation, a global titan in the manufacturing of bearings and constant-velocity joints essential to the automotive industry, has finalized plans to establish a production facility in the country. The decision was formally unveiled during an official visit by NTN’s CEO, Eiichi Ukai, who presented a detailed investment plan to Tunisia’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub.
The high-level meeting, held in the capital of Tunis, marks a pivotal step in Tunisia’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign direct investment and position itself as a critical link in the global automotive supply chain. While the exact financial value and location of the planned facility were not immediately disclosed, the project is confirmed to focus on the local production of auto parts, catering to both regional and international markets.
“This investment by a world-renowned company like NTN is a strong signal of confidence in the Tunisian economy and our industrial capabilities,” Minister Chiboub stated following the meeting. “It aligns perfectly with our national strategy to make Tunisia a competitive platform for high-value-added industries and a regional export hub. This project will create skilled jobs, transfer advanced technology, and further integrate our automotive sector into global value chains.”
For NTN, the foray into Tunisia represents a strategic diversification of its global manufacturing footprint and a first foothold in the rapidly evolving African market. The corporation, which supplies major automakers worldwide, is likely looking to leverage Tunisia’s strategic location, competitive costs, and well-established network of existing automotive suppliers.
CEO Eiichi Ukai emphasized the logical fit between NTN’s global ambitions and Tunisia’s offerings. “After careful evaluation, we believe Tunisia provides the ideal stable foundation and skilled workforce for our inaugural African project,” Ukai was reported to have commented. “This new facility will allow us to better serve our clients in the region and beyond, enhancing our supply chain resilience and proximity to key markets.”
The Tunisian automotive sector has been one of the country’s standout economic success stories, having evolved from simple wiring harness production to more complex mechanical and electronic components. The arrival of a Tier-1 supplier of NTN’s caliber—a company with over a century of history and a presence in nearly 30 countries—is seen as a qualitative leap.
Economic analysts view the move as part of a broader trend of “nearshoring,” where global manufacturers seek to shorten supply chains and reduce over-reliance on single production regions. Tunisia, with its proximity to Europe, free trade agreements, and growing base of trained engineers, is increasingly well-placed to capitalize on this shift.
The NTN project is expected to move into the implementation phase in the coming months, with construction and recruitment plans to be detailed. For Tunisia, it is more than a single investment; it is a landmark validation of its economic potential and a catalyst for attracting further high-value industrial projects to its shores.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
