Tunisia has been urged to accelerate its economic integration with the African continent and gradually wean itself from a heavy reliance on the European market for its exports.
Officials gathered in Tunis for the first AfCFTA Forum advocated for a more proactive strategy to
seize the opportunities offered by the African market.
Tunisia must strengthen its economic ties in Africa to reduce its dependence on traditional markets and fully capitalise on the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), several speakers emphasised at the inaugural AfCFTA Forum, held Wednesday in Tunis under the theme “Tunisia’s Hub in the Face of the AfCFTA: Opportunities and Growth.”
Speaking at the event, Fakhri Bouzayen, Deputy Director of Economic and Trade Cooperation at the Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development, stated that the AfCFTA represents much more than a simple tariff reduction agreement.
“The AfCFTA is not just a tariff agreement; it is a fundamental overhaul of Tunisia’s competitive
advantage,” he declared, calling for coordinated action from public authorities, support institutions, and the private sector.
The official noted that 66% of Tunisian exports are still destined for the European market, which he described as a mature market exposed to regional economic fluctuations.
In this context, the geographic diversification of markets appears as a strategic necessity rather
than a mere option.
Although Tunisian exports to Africa represent only about 4.5% of the country’s total foreign sales, Fakhri Bouzayen highlighted several of Tunisia’s strengths, including the diversity of its export offerings, its presence in 42 African countries, and the high level of complexity of its exports.
According to him, these assets constitute a solid foundation for strengthening Tunisia’s presence in African markets.
Beyond trade, participants emphasised the importance of integration into regional African value chains. The development of trade in services was also presented as a strategic priority, with the gradual liberalisation of this sector opening new opportunities for Tunisian companies beyond just goods exports.
Discussions also highlighted the progress of the AfCFTA at the continental level. According to data presented at the forum, 25 African countries are preparing to finalise the integration of their tariff concessions into their national legislation, compared to only eleven currently and eight by 2022 – a step considered essential for the effective implementation of the tariff reductions stipulated by
the agreement.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA