Tunisia's Automotive Sector Sees Remarkable Growth
The number of active companies in Tunisia's automotive and component manufacturing sector has exceeded 280 establishments in 2025. This figure testifies to a remarkable growth dynamic, reinforcing Tunisia's position as a preferred destination for industrial investment.
The Tunisian automotive industry continues its upward trajectory, confirming its strategic role as a major industrial hub in North Africa and the Euro-Mediterranean region. The sector currently employs over 120,000 people and generates estimated exports of around €3.9 billion, supported by an average annual growth rate of 16% since 2018.
According to data presented today at a workshop organized by the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, the Tunisian Association of Automotive Component Manufacturers (TAA), and with the support of German cooperation (GIZ), the distribution of exports is as follows:
- Germany: 37% (1st destination)
- France: 21%
- Romania: 12%
- Italy: 11%
Since the early 2000s, the number of sector players has more than doubled, driven by sustainable growth, the availability of highly skilled labor, and significant progress in innovation and technology. This progress has enabled the emergence of an integrated industrial ecosystem covering wiring, mechanics, plastic and electronic components, as well as software engineering.
Tunisia draws much of its competitiveness from the quality of its human capital, with a high rate of graduates in scientific and technical specialties. Added to this are labor, energy, and social security costs that are among the most competitive in the region.
The country's strategic geographical location, close to major European ports, as well as a network of trade agreements covering nearly 100 countries, offers additional advantages to investors.
Towards Innovation and Future Technologies
The sector is undergoing an accelerated transition towards future industries, particularly embedded systems, automotive software, electronic components, and electric mobility solutions. This dynamic is supported by specialized structures such as:
- The Center for Technological Resources (CRT)
- The Center for Research in Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (CRMN)
- The Technical Center for Rubber and Plastics (CTCP)
Among the flagship strategic projects is the launch of the first intelligent industrial zone dedicated to the automotive sector, called "Automotive Smart City". Spanning 200 hectares, it will host cutting-edge industrial units, R&D laboratories, training centers, and technological spaces.
This project is expected to contribute to the creation of nearly 150,000 jobs in the medium and long term. Finally, the signing of the Automotive Industry Competitiveness Pact in 2022 marks an additional step in strengthening the public-private partnership.
