Tunisian Women Entrepreneurship Takes a Leap Forward
A New Generation of Structured, Youth‑Driven Projects
Through its 11th edition, the Women Entrepreneurs of Tunisia (FET) program reveals an ever‑more structured pipeline of projects led by young, qualified profiles. This edition sketches the contours of a new generation of companies poised to play an expanding role in regional economic transformation.
Event Overview
- Date & Location: 27 February 2026, Tunis
- Organizer: Managers magazine, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and co‑organized with the European Union Delegation.
- Award: Eight Tunisian women entrepreneurs were honored for the innovation, resilience, and impact of their ventures.
Key Remarks
Hédi Mechri – Director of Publication, L’Économiste Maghrébin
- Stated that the FET awards have become a real lever for economic mobility and internationalisation.
- Emphasised that the trophy now marks the start of a new cross‑border development phase, not just a simple accolade.
- Praised the commitment of the teams and institutional partners that have backed the programme since its inception.
“The 11th edition is a milestone for a concept that, after eleven years, has matured and evolved. The FET trophy is now far more than a recognition; it opens the door to a fresh start and trans‑border expansion for the laureates.”
Sahar Mechri – Executive Director of Managers & Founder of FET
- Opened with a powerful testimony from a former Wing4Africa candidate, illustrating the concrete impact of the support offered to entrepreneurs, especially during moments of doubt.
- Highlighted that hesitation among candidates often signals seriousness, and praised the courage that precedes every success.
- Described a “trust chain” of partners, mentors, juries, and supporters that enables laureates to turn obstacles into opportunities.
- Noted that the visibility granted by the trophies is a lever to be actively seized, especially as the programme continues with six months of mentorship and a stronger focus on Sub‑Saharan Africa.
- Concluded with a call for laureates to act boldly and raise the Tunisian flag on the international stage.
Habib Karaouli – CEO, Capital African Partners Bank (CAP Bank)
- Called the 11th edition exceptional for both the quality of participants and the broadened prize categories, now including sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental protection—aligned with the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Observed a rise of young, graduate women who start businesses out of vocation, not necessity.
- Stressed the educational value of failure, noting several laureates who persisted despite funding rejections.
- Highlighted the programme’s pan‑African ambition, announcing expansion to Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.
- Each edition now introduces new categories—inclusion, empowerment, sustainability—to promote solid, scalable projects that can endure over time.
What Sets This Edition Apart?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Geographic Reach | Expansion plans for Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing a pan‑African network. |
| Award Categories | New focus on Inclusion, Empowerment, and Sustainability alongside traditional innovation awards. |
| Mentorship | Six‑month post‑award mentorship program, with a stronger emphasis on connections to Sub‑Saharan markets. |
| Participant Profile | Predominantly young, university‑educated women launching ventures out of passion. |
| Strategic Partners | Friedrich Naumann Foundation, EU Delegation, CAP Bank, and a host of long‑standing sponsors. |
SEO Keywords
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Conclusion
The 11th Trophées des Femmes Entrepreneures de Tunisie marks a pivotal moment for Tunisian female entrepreneurship. By broadening prize categories, extending mentorship, and targeting a pan‑African footprint, the programme not only celebrates current achievements but also lays the groundwork for a new era of cross‑border, sustainable, and inclusive business growth. The laureates are now equipped—and encouraged—to carry the Tunisian dream onto the global stage.
