Tunisia Launches a New Wave of Massive Road‑Infrastructure Investments
The Ministry of Equipment and Housing announced 16 new road projects worth roughly TND 2.8 billion, alongside the continuation of 80 ongoing national projects valued at TND 4.2 billion.
“The road‑and‑bridge programme will approach TND 7 billion by 2026,” said Minister Slah Zouari during a dialogue session at the National Council of Regions and Districts.
These investments are a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to make infrastructure a central lever for economic growth and regional development. The objectives are to:
- Boost economic activity and job creation.
- Improve inter‑regional mobility and access to public services.
- Strengthen road safety.
- Reduce regional disparities by making territories more attractive for investors and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses.
The year 2026 is presented as a decisive milestone, with the completion of 65 road projects expected.
Flagship Projects
| Project | Description | Estimated Cost | Timeline / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplication of National Road N°2 (Enfidha – Kairouan) | Double the existing carriageway. | TND 300 million | Works to start in the first half of the year after contract finalisation. |
| Duplication of National Road N°13 (Kasserine – Sidi Bouzid – Sfax) | Major strategic corridor; includes 115 km of rural tracks on a 180 km route. | TND 1.4 billion | Tender to be launched soon. |
| Zarzis Ring Road | New beltway to ease traffic and support tourism & commerce. | > TND 100 million | Construction to begin after Ramadan. |
| Regional Road N°96 (Mahdia) & Local Road N°899 (Gafsa) | Additional rural connections (still in preparation). | – | – |
| Seven New Bridges | Built across Béja, Nabeul, Gabès, Monastir, and Ben Arous governorates. | – | – |
| Road‑Network Reinforcement | Approx. 188 km of upgrades in Gafsa, Siliana, Kasserine, Le Kef, Sousse, Kairouan, and Sfax. | – | – |
2026 Programme: Focus on Connectivity
- Highway Expansion – Continuation of the Tunis–Jelma motorway (186 km, TND 1.295 billion), a key axis for inter‑regional links.
- Rural Tracks – Over 900 km of new rural roads across 22 governorates to improve access to health, education, and other public services.
- Maintenance & Safety – Ongoing works to preserve and secure the existing road network.
Challenges
- Insufficient maintenance funding and lack of a dedicated road‑maintenance fund.
- Land‑acquisition hurdles and delays in freeing up right‑of‑way.
- Technical & financial constraints, such as relocating water, electricity, and gas networks; shortages of certain construction materials; and limited external financing.
Innovation & Sustainability
The programme integrates circular‑economy concepts: construction and demolition waste will be recycled into road‑building materials, aiming to cut costs and lower environmental impact.
Further Reading
Read also: Business Climate – UTICA Calls for a Revamp of the Investment Framework in Tunisia
Keywords: Tunisia road infrastructure, national road projects, Tunis–Jelma motorway, road duplication, rural road network, circular economy construction, regional development, Slah Zouari, 2026 infrastructure plan.
