Tunisia has officially launched “Watani,” a €5 million program designed to fuel entrepreneurship, foster innovation, and promote economic inclusion across the country. The initiative strategically aims to leverage local dynamics and engage the skills of the Tunisian diaspora to create sustainable growth.
The program is a collaborative effort, with national oversight managed by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC), funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and implemented by Expertise France.
Building on a Decade of Progress
The Watani project is not an isolated initiative but the next step in Tunisia’s long-term strategy to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. It builds upon more than a decade of Tunsian-French partnerships that have yielded impactful programs like EnLien, FAST, MEET Africa 2, Innov’i, and Greenov’i.
These prior collaborations have supported over 3,000 entrepreneurs and strengthened more than 30 support organizations, significantly professionalizing the national ecosystem. This sustained effort was instrumental in creating the climate for the landmark 2018 Startup Act, which positioned Tunisia as one of the most innovative ecosystems in the region.
A Multi-Faceted Development Strategy
Watani adopts a unique approach by organically linking entrepreneurship with regional development and the mobilization of the Tunisian diaspora. The project will support entrepreneurial activities in several regions through established and effective structures like The Dot and ELIFE.
The program focuses on providing tailored support paths for youth, particularly those at risk of migration, as well as women and returning migrants, aiming to reduce regional disparities and transform migration from a challenge into a driver for investment and knowledge transfer.
Empowering the Entire Ecosystem
Beyond assisting entrepreneurs in their early stages, Watani is designed to fortify the support system itself. The initiative includes a dedicated funding window for support organizations and will introduce innovative tools to accelerate the growth of high-potential startups.
Furthermore, the project is expected to ensure the long-term sustainability of the economic model for The Dot, which has become a national benchmark within Tunisia’s entrepreneurship landscape.
Harnessing the Power of the Diaspora
The Tunisian diaspora is central to the Watani philosophy, recognized as a strategic asset for investment, knowledge transfer, and innovation. A key component of the project is the development of a dedicated platform to mobilize savings from Tunisians living abroad.
Additionally, the “The Dot Landing” program will offer specialized support for Tunisian entrepreneurs from the diaspora who wish to invest or launch economic projects back home, strengthening the economic ties between Tunisians at home and abroad.
About Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)
The Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) is a public financial institution in Tunisia created in 2011. It acts as a long-term investor and a key instrument of the state to support public policies. CDC’s mission is to manage a portion of national savings and channel it towards strategic projects that contribute to the economic and social development of Tunisia, with a focus on regional development, business competitiveness, and the green transition.
Source: Le Maghreb
