The Tunisian Export Promotion Center (CEPEX) has recently announced the launch of the “Africa Trade Boost Event,” an ambitious project aimed at strengthening the integration of African regional markets. This initiative is part of a broader project supported by the European Union, targeting market integration in Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco.
The project, led by EY Tunisia (ERNST & YOUNG) in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), primarily aims to facilitate access for Tunisian SMEs to sub-Saharan African markets. The target countries include Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
The event’s program includes two training sessions. The first session will focus on exploring business opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in sub-Saharan Africa. The second session will address risk-sharing strategies and pricing specific to these markets.
A particularly innovative aspect of this initiative is the organization of a B2B event on an online platform. This component offers Tunisian companies a unique opportunity to develop potential partnerships and establish contacts with new clients in the region.
To participate in this project, companies must meet specific criteria. They must be SMEs with between 1 and 249 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million euros. Additionally, they must operate in the production and/or distribution of one of the following three sectors: electrical cables, ceramic tiles, or information and communication technologies (ICT), with a particular focus on software development.
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for Tunisian SMEs to integrate into regional value chains and take advantage of opportunities offered by growing markets in sub-Saharan Africa. It aligns perfectly with the broader objectives of African economic integration, as defined by the AfCFTA.
Interested companies are encouraged to register before the deadline of August 31, 2024. This initiative promises not only to stimulate Tunisian exports but also to contribute to greater regional economic integration in Africa.
