
Tunisia has reaffirmed its commitment to African economic integration, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and trade as drivers of peace and stability.
Speaking at the 24th session of the COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) Heads of State and Government Summit in Nairobi on Thursday, Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti urged African countries to deepen their participation in global value chains.
He argued that greater integration into international trade networks is essential for sustainable development and regional stability.
“Better integration of the continent into international trade would contribute to the lasting strengthening of regional peace and stability,” Nafti said, emphasizing Tunisia’s African vocation and solidarity with COMESA member states.
Since joining the bloc, Tunisia has actively advanced trade agreements and legislation to facilitate cooperation, positioning itself among the top five exporters to COMESA countries. Last April, the country signed the Agreement on Strengthening the Capacity of Competition Authorities in partnership with the COMESA Commission, reflecting its commitment to harmonizing regional trade regulations. The minister also highlighted Tunisia’s contribution to initiatives in seed and food security, demonstrating the country’s willingness to implement concrete projects for regional economic integration.
Nafti stressed Tunisia’s strategic position as a continental economic and logistics hub, bridging North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. He cited the country’s port infrastructure, free trade agreements, and geographic location as key assets for boosting inter-African commerce and diversifying partnerships.
Tunisia’s engagement comes amid broader continental efforts to enhance Africa’s role in the global economy, particularly through initiatives within COMESA that promote trade liberalization, investment facilitation, and economic cooperation. The minister’s remarks signal Tunis’s intent to leverage its resources and expertise to strengthen Africa’s integration and economic visibility on the world stage.
By championing regional collaboration and positioning itself as a hub for trade and logistics, Tunisia is aiming to translate strategic partnerships into tangible benefits, fostering sustainable development and stability across the continent.