Tunisia is firmly positioning itself as a strategic player on the global maritime stage, with significant potential for economic development driven by the shipbuilding industry. As part of an ambitious plan aimed at 2035, the country is committed to building a sustainable maritime ecosystem that combines industrial sovereignty, energy transition, and regional cooperation.
An Ambitious Vision for the Maritime Sector
The transformation of Tunisia’s port sector relies on a series of strategic and institutional measures. These initiatives aim to enhance port efficiency, enabling Tunisia to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive global maritime market. The current port strategy focuses on transforming ports into integrated logistics hubs capable of effectively managing container traffic and supporting industrial and economic development.
Enhancing Economic Competitiveness
Tunisia seeks to attract international investors while diversifying its trade partners. This approach aims to secure supplies, increase goods flow, and strengthen the country’s integration into global value chains. Today, Tunisian ports play a crucial role in the shipbuilding industry, fishing, and the blue economy, thereby contributing to job creation and sustainable economic development.
A Geostrategic Hub in the Mediterranean
The geostrategic dimension of Tunisia is paramount. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Tunisia is ideally positioned to meet international transshipment needs. The shipbuilding industry is now viewed as a lever for economic growth and industrial sovereignty, reinforcing the country’s position on the maritime stage.
Commitment to Sustainability
A critical aspect of this maritime strategy is the commitment to energy transition and reducing carbon footprints. With its rich maritime heritage, Tunisia must prioritize the sustainable development of its maritime sectors to meet contemporary demands in maritime transport. This sector has a significant impact on the entire national economy.
Ongoing Government Measures
To support the development of the maritime sector, the Tunisian government has recently announced several measures. A national program will be launched in 2026 to modernize maritime facilities, improve ports, and enhance their connectivity with road and rail networks. This program also includes the restructuring of national maritime enterprises, modernizing the legal and regulatory framework, and developing an adapted maritime training system.
Towards International Partnerships
The establishment of international partnerships and cooperative projects is essential for positioning Tunisia as a regional hub for maritime industries. The head of government emphasized the importance of integrating sector diagnostics and challenges into the ongoing development of the national maritime strategy.
Promotion of Maritime Industries
Programs will also be implemented to strengthen Tunisia’s presence in regional and international markets, particularly by consolidating its role in the construction of military vessels, fishing boats, and recreational crafts. A review of current policies regarding maritime industries is also being considered to better address the sector’s challenges.
Long-Term Vision
The national strategy of the state, which aims to create a competitive and technologically advanced industry by 2035, focuses on promising sectors such as shipbuilding. With a coastline of 1,300 km, representing a critical point within the global maritime network, Tunisia must position itself as a regional platform for maritime training and a key player in the blue economy.
Investments for the Future
To support this vision, it is imperative to create free zones around major ports, develop research centers in marine technologies, and establish partnerships with countries in the Mediterranean basin and Africa. In response to increasing competition, Tunisia plans to invest in next-generation ports, such as the future port of Enfidha, which aims to become one of the most competitive maritime hubs in the southern Mediterranean.
Conclusion
By consolidating its position in the Mediterranean, which accounts for nearly 30% of global maritime traffic, Tunisia is equipping itself to become an indispensable player in the maritime sector. Through a well-defined national strategy and targeted investments, it aims to transform its ports and maritime industry into true engines of economic growth and sustainability.
