A Restricted Ministerial Council Focuses on Strategic Development Projects (2026‑2030)
A restricted ministerial council, chaired on Wednesday at the Government Palace in the Kasbah by Prime Minister Sarra Zafrani Zanzeri, was dedicated to monitoring the progress of several large‑scale strategic projects included in the 2026‑2030 Development Plan.
The main objective is to accelerate the implementation of key public infrastructure in order to:
- Stimulate investment
- Create jobs
- Support economic growth
All in line with the strategic directions set by President Kais Saïed.
Four major projects were presented in detail, covering their current status and the solutions being considered to overcome technical, financial, or land‑related obstacles.
1. High‑Speed Train (TGV) Linking North and South
The high‑speed rail line connecting Bizerte to Ben Guerdane is a cornerstone of the national territorial‑development strategy.
- Goal: Strengthen regional cohesion, open up interior zones, and facilitate the movement of passengers and freight.
- Corridor: Will serve major urban centers, public infrastructures, ports, and logistics zones.
- Regional Integration: Includes planned connections with the Algerian and Libyan railway networks, paving the way for deeper Maghreb and African rail integration.
2. Railway Link to Tunis‑Carthage International Airport
A second priority is the rail connection between Tunis‑Carthage International Airport and the city centre.
- Phasing: The project will be executed in three phases, covering more than 20 km and linking downtown Tunis, Berges du Lac, Le Kram, and the districts of Carthage and Aïn Zaghouan.
- Rolling Stock: The Tunis Transport Company plans to acquire new metro trains and modernise the existing fleet as part of a broader urban rail‑strengthening programme.
Airport Expansion
- Current Share: The airport handles roughly 60 % of Tunisia’s passenger traffic, with >7.2 million travelers per year.
- Future Capacity: By 2030, total capacity is expected to rise to 18.5 million passengers through a new terminal, partial expansion of the existing terminal, and the addition of a second air‑bridge.
- Strategic Vision: According to the Prime Minister, the upgrade fits an integrated national airport system based on digitalisation and platform complementarity, aiming to boost tourism attractiveness and position Tunisia as a regional air‑transport hub.
3. Enfidha Mega‑Port – A Mediterranean Logistics Hub
The deep‑water port project in Enfidha is among the most ambitious investments.
- Strategic Location: Situated in the Mediterranean, the port is designed to turn Tunisia into a regional commercial logistics platform.
- Components:
- A container terminal capable of handling ultra‑large vessels
- A vast industrial and logistics zone
- Direct links to road, highway, and rail networks
- Economic Impact: Expected to generate ≈52 000 jobs and cover 3 000 ha of land.
The council recommended accelerating the implementation of all these flagship projects, especially the Enfidha port, and launching the necessary procedures immediately. A phased, functional‑slice approach was advised to ensure rapid economic profitability of the newly commissioned infrastructure.
Outlook
These projects form the backbone of the 2026‑2030 Development Plan and are set to play a decisive role in Tunisia’s economic, logistical, and territorial transformation over the next decade.
