- The European Investment Bank (EIB) has aprroved a €45 million loan for the ELMED Italy-Tunisia electricity interconnection project.
- The €170 million Tunisia Economic Recovery credit line will back micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (this financing goes hand in hand with an €8 million EU grant).
- A €210 million loan has been granted to create a dual carriageway between Sfax and Kasserine to improve regional connectivity and promote balanced economic growth.
- There will also be a €25 million EU grant for school modernisation.
The targeted projects aim to boost private sector resilience and growth, promote sustainable energy solutions and make it easier to access remote areas, thereby fostering more inclusive growth.
Among the new announcements, the €170 million Tunisia Economic Recovery credit line will strengthen support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up around 90% of the country’s businesses and employ 60% of its workforce. By making it easier for them to access finance and providing innovative risk-sharing instruments, the EIB aims to back companies that continue to invest and create jobs. This project is also receiving a €8 million grant from the European Commission.
In addition, the EIB is set to sign a €210 million finance contract to modernise the strategic corridor between Sfax and Kasserine to improve connectivity and reduce travel costs. This support will therefore foster more inclusive growth and private sector development in surrounding regions by linking them to major economic centres.
A €45 million loan will be allocated to the ELMED Italy-Tunisia electricity interconnection project, alongside Team Europe partners. This project will help improve Tunisia’s energy security and will enable the country to take advantage of its renewable energy production potential. It is in line with broader EU energy security and sustainability objectives.
Read more on the ELMED Italy-Tunisia electricity interconnection project HERE
In addition to these new allocations, the EIB will sign a €25 million EU grant for the modernisation of Tunisian schools, following on from a €40 million loan signed in 2023. This project aims to improve learning and teaching and teaching conditions in schools, benefiting around 14 500 pupils by building 80 new primary schools and expanding educational digitalisation.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
