On the sidelines of the 4ᵉ Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), organized from September 4 to 10 in Algiers, Tunisia reaffirmed its ambition to play a driving role in the economic integration of the continent. The senior official of the Ministry of Commerce, Lazhar Bennour, notably launched the idea of Tunisian-Algerian cooperation in the automobile to produce a car “100% African”.
During an intervention on the sidelines of the show, Lazhar Bennour, director general of economic and commercial cooperation, stressed the importance of the Tunisian presence at the IATF 2025. The delegation brings together ministries, public agencies, SMEs, startups and exporters, a strong signal of the country’s commitment to actively contribute to the African single market.
Strategic cooperation with Algeria
Welcoming Algerian organization and reception, Bennour highlighted the strategic relationship between Tunis and Algiers. According to him, the complementarity between the two countries must result in concrete initiatives. The automotive sector illustrates this ambition:
“Thanks to the principle of accumulation of continental origin, we can produce a 100 % African car, why not Tunisian-Algerian,” he said.
Tunisia, rich in exporting expertise and qualified jobs creator, intends to put its know-how at the service of this project.
Logistics and financial integration
Bennour pleaded for a strengthening of continental logistics in order to facilitate exchanges by land, air and rail. He also mentioned the upcoming membership of Tunisian banks at the PADS (Pan-African Payment and Settlement System), allowing transactions to local currencies and reducing dependence on the international financial system.
Inspired by President Kaïs Saïed’s message when Iatf opened, Bennour insisted on the need for Africa to locally transform its natural resources and define its own value chains. The global transfer to electric vehicles, of which Africa has raw materials, represents an opportunity to seize.
Tunisian strategic projects
He also highlighted the Ben Guerdane free zone project, called to become a commercial and logistical hub connecting North Africa to landlocked countries. External work being almost completed, African investors are actively sought. Finally, Bennour announced that Tunisia is already preparing for its participation in the next edition of the IATF in Nigeria.
