Tunisia took a significant step forward in its development agenda with the signing of four crucial agreements totaling €137 million with the French Development Agency (AFD). The agreements, inked at the Government Palace in Kasbah, aim to bolster key sectors crucial to Tunisia’s socio-economic advancement.
Minister of Economy and Planning, Feryel Ouerghi Sebai, joined by AFD Director General, Rémi Rioux, finalized the agreements which include €130 million in loans and €7 million in grants. These funds are strategically allocated to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance sanitation in working-class neighborhoods, and improve education and sports infrastructure across Tunisia.
A significant portion of the funding includes an €80 million loan dedicated to fostering SME growth, aiming to stimulate innovation and economic resilience. Meanwhile, a €50 million loan targets the national sanitation program, set to benefit over 262,000 residents in 146 working-class neighborhoods, thereby advancing universal access to sanitation facilities.
Environmental Minister Leila Cheikhaoui Mahdaoui highlighted the environmental impact of these initiatives, underscoring their role in ensuring a healthy living environment for Tunisian families. The sanitation program, evolving since the 1990s, continues to adapt with new strategies to encompass all regions of the country.
In the realm of education and sports, Tunisia secured €6 million in grants to refurbish educational facilities and enhance sports infrastructure. Minister of Youth and Sport, Kamel Gueddiche, emphasized the importance of these improvements in nurturing talent and providing modernized learning environments, benefiting students and athletes alike.
Abdelmadjid Baltaieb, CEO of the National Sanitation Company (ONAS), expressed gratitude for the €1 million grant aimed at enhancing technical capabilities within the sanitation sector. This support is integral as Tunisia progresses through its sixth generation of sanitation programs, aiming for comprehensive coverage nationwide.
The agreements with AFD signify Tunisia’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth, leveraging international partnerships to drive economic and social progress. These investments are expected to pave the way for a more prosperous future, underpinning Tunisia’s aspirations for sustainable development across all sectors.
Photo source: Google
By: Montel Kamau
Serrari Financial Analyst
27th June, 2024
