Tunisians abroad invited to boost local growth

The Office of Tunisians Abroad (OTE), in partnership with the National Agricultural Bank (BNA), is hosting regional forums aimed at engaging the diaspora and encouraging investment in Tunisia, according to Tunisie Numerique on August 4th.

These gatherings focus on resolving administrative and logistical challenges that hinder overseas Tunisians from investing back home. The push towards the diaspora is another avenue within the overall determination of the government to drive foreign investment. In June, it was reported that Tunisia had seen 3.2 billion in direct investment from overseas.

The third forum will convene on August 7th in Mahdia, centred on the theme: “Digitalisation: A Driver of Development and Investment.” It specifically invites participation from Tunisians living abroad with roots in Kasserine, Siliana, Kairouan, Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia.

Organisers have planned presentations detailing investment incentives and support mechanisms tailored to the diaspora. Participants will also engage in an open discussion to voice concerns and propose reforms to improve the investment and reintegration process.

This forum follows two earlier events. The first, held on July 28th, targeted Tunisians from Greater Tunis (Tunis, Ariana, Ben Arous, Manouba) under the theme “Modernising Visions for a Promising Future.” The second, set in Djerba, brings together attendees from Tataouine, Gabès, Kébili, and Médenine with the slogan: “Invest Your Expertise… Contribute to Your Region’s Growth.”

These forums form part of Tunisia’s efforts to shape a new five-year development strategy (2025–2030), with the diaspora positioned as a vital contributor through investment, entrepreneurship, and skills transfer.

The outreach programme will conclude with a national conference, where insights gathered from each forum will be unified into concrete proposals aimed at bolstering regional development and job creation.

Tunisie Numerique, Maghrebi.org