Tunisia is well positioned to diversify its exports and expand its commercial footprint across Africa by leveraging opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the bloc’s Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene, said during a visit to the North African country.
Speaking at the end of a working visit to Tunisia, Mene said the country’s strong export base, experience with continental trade initiatives, and established links with European markets provide a solid foundation for deeper engagement with African economies.
The AfCFTA chief noted that Tunisia was among the first countries to sign and ratify the landmark free trade agreement in 2020 and was also one of seven nations selected to participate in the Guided Trade Initiative pilot programme launched in 2023.
According to Mene, Tunisia’s participation in the pilot programme generated valuable lessons on the opportunities and challenges associated with intra-African trade and demonstrated the country’s readiness to benefit from the continent-wide market integration project.
He emphasized that greater involvement by the private sector will be critical to unlocking the full benefits of the agreement, describing businesses and entrepreneurs as key drivers of AfCFTA implementation.
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“Tunisia has a unique opportunity to diversify its export markets across Africa,” Mene said, highlighting the country’s strong industrial base and export-oriented economy.
More than 66 percent of Tunisia’s exports are currently directed toward the European Union, making Europe its dominant trading partner. While this relationship remains important, Mene said it also underscores the need for Tunisia to broaden its export destinations and tap into fast-growing African markets, particularly in West Africa.
The AfCFTA Secretariat has been encouraging member states to reduce dependence on a limited number of export destinations and take advantage of a continental market of more than 1.4 billion people.
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During meetings with government officials and business leaders, discussions focused on practical tools designed to improve market access for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand beyond their traditional markets.
Among the mechanisms highlighted was the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, established in partnership with Afreximbank to support countries and businesses as they adapt to the new trading environment. Mene said the fund has already been capitalized and has made its first disbursement.
He also pointed to the growing role of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which allows businesses to conduct transactions in local currencies without relying on intermediary foreign currencies.
According to the AfCFTA Secretariat, the platform can reduce transaction costs by up to 90 percent and facilitate near-instant payments between trading partners across the continent, helping address one of the major obstacles to intra-African commerce.
Mene further highlighted digital trade platforms developed under the AfCFTA’s trade digitization programme, which provide market information and business networking opportunities to exporters and investors.
Despite the opportunities, he acknowledged that significant challenges remain. These include high transport and logistics costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to affordable trade finance.
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The AfCFTA Secretariat estimates that Africa faces an annual infrastructure financing gap of approximately $150 billion, a shortfall that continues to constrain trade and economic integration.
Mene said overcoming these obstacles will require coordinated action by governments, development institutions, and the private sector.
As part of efforts to deepen cooperation, Tunisia and the AfCFTA Secretariat have agreed to develop a joint action plan involving the Ministries of Trade and Foreign Affairs. The initiative will focus on trade facilitation, logistics development, transport corridors, investment promotion, and private-sector engagement.
Officials said the plan aims to strengthen Tunisia’s position within Africa’s evolving trade landscape while creating new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and investors seeking access to continental markets.
Mene described Africa as “open for business” for Tunisia and expressed confidence that closer integration under the AfCFTA would help diversify the country’s export base, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth.
