📋 Tender Overview
Ioannis Tsakiris, the new EIB vice-president responsible for financing in North Africa, will make his first official visit to Tunisia on 12 and 13 June 2024. He will meet with several members of the government, attend the Tunisia Investment Forum and announce new EIB financial support for Tunisia totalling €450 million. This EIB commitment is intended to finance investment that is key to developing vital infrastructure and creating jobs.
This large-scale funding programme reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to promote economic and social development in Tunisia. The targeted projects aim to boost private sector resilience and growth, promote sustainable energy solutions and make it easier to access remote areas, thereby fostering more inclusive growth.
Among the new announcements, the €170 million Tunisia Economic Recovery credit line will strengthen support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up around 90% of the country's businesses and employ 60% of its workforce. By making it easier for them to access finance and providing innovative risk-sharing instruments, the EIB aims to back companies that continue to invest and create jobs. This project is also receiving a €8 million grant from the European Commission.
In addition, the EIB is set to sign a €210 million finance contract to modernise the strategic corridor between Sfax and Kasserine to improve connectivity and reduce travel costs. This support will therefore foster more inclusive growth and private sector development in surrounding regions by linking them to major economic centres.
A €45 million loan will be allocated to the ELMED Italy-Tunisia electricity interconnection project, alongside Team Europe partners. This project will help improve Tunisia’s energy security and will enable the country to take advantage of its renewable energy production potential. It is in line with broader EU energy security and sustainability objectives.
In addition to these new allocations, the EIB will sign a €25 million EU grant for the modernisation of Tunisian schools, following on from a €40 million loan signed in 2023. This project aims to improve learning and teaching and teaching conditions in schools, benefiting around 14 500 pupils by building 80 new primary schools and expanding educational digitalisation.
EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris said: “Tunisia is an important regional partner for the EIB and our support for its initiatives remains steadfast. This new financing demonstrates our commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, developing sustainable energy infrastructure and improving intra-regional connectivity. These investments will play a crucial role in creating jobs, boosting innovation and promoting balanced development, benefiting all Tunisians.”
