Tunisia–France: Strengthened Cooperation in Energy, Mining and Industry

A working meeting was held Thursday afternoon at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, bringing together Tunisian Minister Fatma Thabet Chiboub and Philippe Orliange, Executive Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), in the presence of France’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Anne Guéguen.

The main purpose of the meeting was to review the status of projects already underway and to explore ways to accelerate their implementation. Both sides stressed the importance of adhering to agreed timelines in order to achieve the jointly set economic and industrial development goals.

The “Smart Grid” Flagship Project
At the center of the discussions was the rollout of the intelligent electricity network, or “Smart Grid,” led by the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG). The initiative is presented as a decisive step toward modernizing the country’s energy infrastructure, improving distribution efficiency, and supporting the shift toward more sustainable solutions.

Talks also paved the way for new avenues of collaboration in energy transition, technological innovation, and industrialization. Minister Chiboub emphasized the need for stronger mobilization to ensure swift and effective project execution.

AFD’s Renewed Commitment
For his part, Philippe Orliange reaffirmed the AFD’s determination to continue and expand its support for Tunisia, particularly in strategic priority areas such as energy transition, industrial development, and the modernization of local capacities.

The meeting underscored the strength of the strategic partnership between Tunisia and France, with expected benefits for both the country’s industrial competitiveness and its energy security.