The Tunisian government has announced the launch of a new strategic project aimed at bolstering the nation’s agricultural sector through youth employment and entrepreneurship. The initiative, titled “Responsible Investment in Agri-Food for Youth Employment, Food Systems Transformation, and Sustainable Development,” was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Tunisia’s Minister of Agriculture, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, and representatives from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), alongside the Director General of the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA).
A Strategic Push for Agri-Food Innovation
In his opening remarks, Minister Azzedine Ben Sheikh emphasized that the project marks a significant milestone in developing a modern Tunisian agricultural sector founded on innovation, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The core objective is to create quality employment opportunities for young people and cultivate a new generation of agri-food entrepreneurs.
This strategic push is designed to not only enhance food security but also drive sustainable development in rural communities across the country. The Minister highlighted existing government support mechanisms, including incubators managed by APIA and specialized vocational training centers, as foundational pillars for this new initiative.
Tackling Youth Employment and Funding Challenges
The program directly addresses one of the most significant hurdles for aspiring young entrepreneurs: access to funding. Minister Ben Sheikh acknowledged that financing remains a primary challenge and confirmed that this project will provide critical support to develop the technical, financial, and entrepreneurial skills of young participants.
By integrating mentorship and skill-building, the initiative aims to empower youth to launch and scale their own ventures within the agri-food value chain. This focus on practical support is expected to modernize agricultural practices and accelerate the growth of new businesses.
Geographic Focus and Sustainable Goals
The project will be implemented across six key governorates: Bizerte, Zaghouan, Nabeul, Siliana, Sfax, and Medenine. This targeted regional approach ensures that the initiative’s impact is distributed across diverse agricultural landscapes within Tunisia. A key component of the program is its commitment to sustainability, with a strong emphasis on promoting ecological transition and the rational use of natural resources.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to reforms that position agriculture as a primary engine for economic growth and employment, powered by the innovation and creative potential of Tunisian youth.
About The Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA)
The Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA) is a public institution under the supervision of the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture. Its primary mission is to promote private investment in the sectors of agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, and related services, including agricultural processing. APIA provides support, guidance, and incentives for investors and entrepreneurs to develop and implement projects that contribute to the modernization and sustainability of Tunisia’s agricultural landscape.
Source: Tuniscope
