📋 Tender Overview
The Minister of Economy and Planning, Féryel Ouerghi Sebaï, and Mr. Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) responsible for financing in Tunisia, signed during the “Tunisia Investment Forum” held in Tunis on June 12 and 13, a financing agreement of 210 million euros (approximately 707 million Tunisian dinars) for the modernization of the section of the RN13 road between Sfax and Kasserine.
This financing demonstrates the EIB's strong commitment to supporting Tunisia's National Transport Plan 2040, which aims to improve regional connectivity and stimulate economic development in disadvantaged areas. Extending over 180 kilometers to the Algerian border, this project, implemented by the Tunisian Ministry of Equipment and Housing, will transform the existing infrastructure from 2x1 lanes to 2x2 lanes, with the addition of median barriers.
Strategic corridor : this project promises enhanced social inclusion, increased accessibility and facilitated mobility for local populations, including the most vulnerable communities. With gains in terms of comfort, availability and speed of services, the benefits also include time savings, reduced operating costs and a notable reduction in road accidents.
Major socio-economic impact : the modernization of this corridor is a catalyst for significant socio-economic growth, reducing regional inequalities and stimulating regional integration. It will open new trade routes with Algeria and Libya, thus promoting economic dynamism and investments in disadvantaged regions.
European commitment and vision: supported by a guarantee from the European Union, the project is fully in line with the EU's strategic priorities within the framework of the new Agenda for the Mediterranean and under axis 2 of the Team Europe Initiative Investment in Tunisia relating to the improvement of Tunisia's economic infrastructure. Aligned with the Paris Agreements, the project meets EIB standards for sustainable transport and aligns with the Bank's environmental sustainability and resilience criteria.
This project, carried out in close cooperation with the World Bank, which provides parallel financing and rigorous technical supervision, is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
With this ambitious project, the EIB and its partners are not just modernizing a road, but paving the way towards a more connected, inclusive and prosperous future for Tunisia.
Following this signing, Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the EIB , declared : “This transformative project represents a major step forward for transport infrastructure in Tunisia. By improving regional connectivity and facilitating economic exchanges with neighboring countries, we help reduce regional inequalities and boost the local economy. This initiative is a concrete example of our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, creating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life of local communities. »
In addition, Francisco Joaquin Gaztelu Mezquiriz, Director of Southern Neighborhood and Turkey, Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), European Commission added: “The modernization of the Sfax-Kasserine corridor is much more than a simple infrastructure project; it is a strategic initiative that illustrates our shared vision of a prosperous and connected future for Tunisia. By supporting projects of this scale, we strengthen economic and social ties, promote regional development and offer a better future for future generations. »
Ms. Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, Minister of Equipment and Housing , presented the key elements of the project, highlighted its objectives, and announced the next steps:
“The completion of the project to duplicate national road No. 13 linking the towns of Kasserine to Sfax via Sidi Bouzid and Kairouan is part of the strategic corridors program linking the interior governorates to coastal economic centers. The objective is to promote the integration of these governorates into the economic cycle by increasing trade, reducing differences between regions through the development of the road infrastructure sector and increasing road safety.
The technical studies, the environmental and social impact study, as well as the resettlement action plan study have been completed. Currently, the services of the Ministry of Equipment and Housing are working on the land release file for the project which is progressing in accordance with the schedule developed with the Ministry of State Property and Land Affairs, as well as all stakeholders.
It is expected that an international call for tenders will be announced during the second half of 2024 and that work will begin during the second half of 2025, which will continue for 36 months.
