Tunisia Reaffirms Commitment to an Integrated, Sovereign, and Sustainable Africa
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the 9th edition of the International Forum on Financing Investment and Trade in Africa (FITA 2026), Tunisia's Minister of Equipment and Housing, interim Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, Sleh Zouari, highlighted a continental vision based on strategic autonomy and cooperation between African countries.
The official emphasized the support of the President of the Republic for this dynamic, stressing the need for Africans to build their own future. "Africa is the master of its choices, priorities, and destiny," he stated, citing the continent's advantages, including its rich natural resources, the dynamism of its youth, and the progress made in regional integration.
In this context, Sleh Zouari highlighted the structuring role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf), considered a major lever to stimulate trade, develop economic corridors, and strengthen logistics platforms across the continent.
The minister also recalled that Africa has set an ambitious roadmap through the African Union's Agenda 2063, aiming for inclusive growth, structural transformation of economies, and sustainable development. However, he acknowledged that the continent faces a significant challenge: reducing its dependence on exports of raw or lightly processed materials, despite its considerable potential.
At the national level, Tunisia is part of this dynamic by accelerating the implementation of infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening its regional connectivity. Among the ongoing initiatives are the development of strategic logistics corridors and participation in the Trans-Saharan Road Project, a key axis linking North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa.
On another front, Minister Salah Zouari emphasized the central role of infrastructure in the continent's development. He estimated that no sustainable transformation can be envisioned without effective interconnection between production zones and markets, as well as fluid access to essential services for populations.
Through this vision, Tunisia aims to consolidate its position as an engaged actor in building a more integrated, competitive, and resilient African space.
