Tunisia made a notable impression at the 13th edition of Rencontres Africa, held on June 5 and 6, 2025, at the Hôtel de Région in Lyon.
The event took place alongside the General Assembly of the International Association of Francophone Regions (AIRF).
A high-level Tunisian delegation, composed of senior institutional and economic representatives, participated in this major gathering.
Tunis Governor Imed Boukhris and Ambassador Mourad Belhassen, Director General for Economic and Cultural Diplomacy, provided official diplomatic representation, underscoring the Tunisian state’s commitment to francophone cooperation and to promoting the country’s economy on the global stage.
A Dynamic Tunisian Pavilion
The Tunisian pavilion, co-organized by the Consulate General of Tunisia in Lyon, the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA), the Tunisian Foreign Bank (TFBank), and the France-Tunisia Chamber of Commerce (CCFT – AURA), offered a vibrant showcase of investment opportunities in the country.
The pavilion welcomed several high-profile figures, including Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophonie; Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF); Laurent Wauquiez, President of AIRF; and Philippe Meunier, Vice President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.
Spotlight on Subcontracting Opportunities
One of the highlights of Tunisia’s participation was a roundtable titled “Tunisia: A Prime Destination for Subcontracting in Africa,” which spotlighted the country’s advantages in this strategic sector.
Moderated by Nabil Abid, CEO of ABN Engineering & Consulting, the discussion brought together key figures such as Nader Bousrih, Tunisia’s Consul General in Lyon; Tarak Chérif, founder and honorary president of CONECT International; Mondher Ghazali, Director General of TFBank; and Tarak Hosni, FIPA’s representative in Paris.
The panel focused on Tunisia’s appeal to European businesses, the quality of its infrastructure, the competitiveness of its human capital, and available tax incentives.
The enthusiasm generated by the event reflected renewed interest in Tunisia as a platform for subcontracting and economic co-development within the francophone world.
A Model of Public-Private Coordination
Tunisia’s participation was also praised for the exemplary coordination between public institutions and private stakeholders.
Organizers expressed their appreciation for the committed partners—particularly TFBank and FIPA—who played both financial and strategic roles in ensuring the event’s success.
Beyond institutional visibility, Rencontres Africa provided numerous opportunities for business networking and reaffirmed Tunisia’s central role in the growing dynamic of Euro-African cooperation.
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