Tunisian Delegation to Explore New Opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
A Tunisian delegation composed of startups, institutional representatives, and innovation ecosystem actors will travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from September 22 to 27 as part of the "Qawafel" project. The objective is to explore new opportunities, establish strategic partnerships, and strengthen economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.
Mission Overview
The mission, organized under the "Qawafel" project, led by "AfriStart", implemented by Expertise France, and funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), in partnership with "RedStart Tunisie" and the Lubumbashi Innovation Center (Cinolu), includes entrepreneurs, institutional representatives, and a team from "RedStart Tunisie". This acceleration device was created to meet the expectations of Tunisian SMEs and startups, particularly in terms of economic integration in Africa.
Program and Objectives
The mission program includes B2B and B2G meetings, round tables, and field visits. According to the organizers, the objectives of the mission are to:
- Explore market opportunities by identifying local needs and aligning Tunisian offers
- Create synergies to initiate sustainable partnerships
- Discuss regulation, investment, and sectoral challenges with public institutions
- Stimulate cross-border innovation and promote a circular and inclusive economy
Expected Outcomes
At the end of the exchanges, a convention between "RedStart Tunisie" and "Cinolu" is expected to be signed to establish sustainable collaborations. Pilot projects and partnership agreements in key sectors such as "Greentech" and "Fintech" are also being considered. Institutional exchanges are expected to reveal investment opportunities.
Background
The "Qawafel" project was launched in April 2025 with the participation of 55 operators. On this occasion, two support structures were identified in the DRC and Kenya: the Lubumbashi Innovation Center (Cinolu) and the Nairobi-based innovation hub (Fie Labs), to give the project a pan-African dimension. Since then, several actions have been taken, including "country points" and strategic meetings aimed at offering Tunisian startups and SMEs an in-depth immersion in African entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Tunisia's Strategy
Tunisia has opted for the development of win-win partnerships with many African countries, covering several high-value-added areas. Many trade missions have been organized, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
