Spain Invests €25 Million in Tunisian Water Treatment Plant, Reaffirms Commitment to Cooperation
The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) has reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with Tunisia, investing €25 million in a water treatment plant serving 900,000 people. The visit by the Director General of Spanish Cooperation and the Director of Cooperation with Africa, the Arab World, and Asia marks a significant turning point in the relationship.
A Decade of Reduced Cooperation
The AECID has been present in Tunisia for 30 years, but its activities were reduced in 2013 due to budget constraints. Since then, the agency has operated from a smaller office, focusing on smaller projects. However, in 2024, the AECID reopened its full office, marking a significant increase in its activities and commitment to cooperation.
Four Priorities for Cooperation
The AECID has identified four key priorities for its cooperation with Tunisia:
- Promoting Gender Equality: The AECID will focus on programs to combat violence against women and create economic opportunities for women, particularly in the agricultural sector.
- Inclusive Economic Development: The agency will work on innovative models of social and solidarity economy, sharing best practices and expertise with Tunisia.
- Environmental Transition: The AECID will support Tunisia in its efforts to combat climate change, develop sustainable agriculture, and manage water resources.
- Civic Inclusion and Participation: The agency will work to strengthen mechanisms for civic inclusion and participation of young people in public life.
Four Projects, One Ambition
During the visit, the AECID delegation visited four projects that illustrate the agency's commitment to cooperation:
- Chotrana Water Treatment Plant: The AECID has invested €25 million in the rehabilitation of a water treatment plant serving 900,000 people in the Nabeul region.
- Espace Chanti: The agency has partnered with the Espace Chanti association to support initiatives promoting decent work and territorial transformation.
- Bella Initiative: The AECID has supported the Bella initiative, which provides training, health support, and legal assistance to vulnerable women.
- Magrumin Program: The agency has partnered with the British Council, the European Union, and FIA to promote the inclusion of young people through culture and sport.
A Positive Bilan
The AECID's Coordinating General has described the visit as a success, highlighting the agency's commitment to cooperation and its willingness to engage with a wider range of actors, including decentralized Spanish cooperations and NGOs. The visit has also marked the beginning of new thematic axes, including women's health, mental health, and care for the elderly and children.
