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The National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) organized a workshop on Monday to monitor the implementation of the "Shams" project, a program dedicated to developing photovoltaic solar energy within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is part of the national dynamic of energy transition and promotion of renewable energies in Tunisia. The meeting was chaired by Naoufel Baccari, Director General of ANME, in the presence of representatives from the African Development Bank, including Jalel Chabchoub, Monojit Pal, and Sihem Bakkouche. Representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company, the banking sector, and professional chambers also participated in the workshop.
A Lever for Solar Electricity Self-Production
In his speech, Naoufel Baccari recalled that the "Shams" project is funded by the African Development Bank and executed by ANME. It aims to encourage Tunisian SMEs to invest in photovoltaic solar energy for self-production of electricity, thus reducing their energy costs and dependence on conventional sources. The program also aims to facilitate access to financing through a dedicated digital platform, offering investment solutions adapted to the capacities and needs of businesses.
Responding to the Financial Constraints of SMEs
The "Shams" project intervenes in a context where nearly 870,000 SMEs in Tunisia face major constraints, including limited access to long-term credit and high costs of guarantees and financing. By structuring more accessible financial mechanisms and mobilizing institutional and banking partners, ANME intends to overcome these obstacles and accelerate the adoption of renewable energies in the national economic fabric.
A Framework for Consultation to Strengthen Cooperation
The workshop provided an opportunity to present the progress and various components of the project, while opening a space for exchange between public actors, financial partners, and private sector representatives. This consultation aims to strengthen coordination and ensure the success of the implementation of the "Shams" project, considered a pillar of energy transition in Tunisia.
