Tunisia’s commitment to enhancing economic ties with Sub-Saharan Africa was underscored by the success of the PEMA project, aimed at fostering export activities and expanding into new African markets.
Al-Azhar Bennour, Director General of Economic and Commercial Cooperation at the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, described the initiative as a reflection of Tunisia’s strategic orientation towards “Africa in depth.”
Speaking at a forum marking the conclusion of the PEMA project, Bennour highlighted Tunisia’s membership in COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and its endorsement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as pivotal steps in establishing a robust African trade strategy.
These affiliations, he noted, position Tunisia to maximize the benefits of regional agreements and leverage the untapped potential of African markets.
Bennour stressed the need for Tunisian businesses, particularly the younger generation of enterprises, to recognize the value of African markets as alternatives to traditional trade partners.
Citing statistics and market studies, he emphasized the growing economic opportunities within the continent.
“PEMA has enabled emerging economic institutions to understand the principles of collective work necessary for accessing African markets,” Bennour said.
He added that the project also facilitated the establishment of strategic partnerships, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The state’s role, he explained, is to simplify the operations of economic institutions, especially smaller ones, by guiding them on how to utilize tariff reductions and benefit from agreements with African counterparts.
The government also plays a critical role in organizing professional networking opportunities within priority African markets.
Bennour described the current generation of participants in the PEMA project as a “model experience” that could be expanded across various sectors.
He expressed optimism that Tunisian economic structures are poised for a significant transformation in their approach to African markets.
The success of the PEMA initiative underscores Tunisia’s dedication to deepening its economic integration with Sub-Saharan Africa, opening new pathways for trade and collaboration on the continent.
