Director General of Employment Promotion at the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, Lilia Makhlouf, Announces SMEs Represent 97% of National Economic Fabric
The Director General of Employment Promotion at the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, Lilia Makhlouf, stated that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 97% of the national economic fabric and contribute to the creation of 50% of jobs.
In a statement given to National Radio on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as part of the second edition of the Technology Forum for Justice, held under the theme "Towards an economy-friendly justice," Lilia Makhlouf acknowledged that SMEs face difficulties. She revealed that 40% of them close their doors approximately 18 months after their creation, reflecting the reluctance of young people and women to launch their own projects.
In this context, she emphasized the importance for the Tunisian administration to ensure the simplification of procedures for young promoters wishing to create an economic enterprise. She also stressed the need to take into account the element of equity among all those who wish to create businesses.
Lilia Makhlouf reaffirmed that SMEs are a pillar of the national economy. She noted that the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, in coordination with all stakeholders and structures of the Ministry of Social Affairs, is working to frame new modes of work.
