September 25, 2024

The Tunisian government has launched several initiatives to encourage the creation of start-ups and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The “Start-up Act”, adopted in 2018, is one of the flagship measures. It offers a legal framework conducive to the emergence of start-ups, with tax and administrative advantages for young companies, financing facilities and support in their development… However, the impact remains limited by implementation difficulties and a lack of synergy between the various public and private actors, Zied Sdiri, CEO of “Millennium Leaders Group”, tells us.

The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tunisia is booming, despite some economic and social challenges facing the country. Since the revolution, our country has seen the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs motivated by creating a positive impact on the economy and society. With a young and qualified population, the country is positioning itself as a fertile ground for innovative ideas, despite structural difficulties.

Thus, the most dynamic sectors in terms of start-up creation are mainly technology, ICT and agri-food. The technology scene is distinguished, in particular, by strong growth, with innovative start-ups developing digital solutions in areas such as fintech, e-health and artificial intelligence. “Agriculture, traditionally a pillar of the Tunisian economy, is also attracting the attention of entrepreneurs, particularly in the fields of agritech and agri-food, with initiatives to modernize and optimize agricultural processes,” confirms Zied Sdiri, CEO of “Millennium Leaders Group”.

There are many advantages

Sdiri indicates that the Tunisian government has launched several initiatives to encourage the creation of start-ups and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The “Start-up Act”, adopted in 2018, is one of the flagship measures. It provides a legal framework conducive to the emergence of start-ups, with tax and administrative advantages for young companies, financing facilities and support in their development. This initiative has been well received and has helped improve the attractiveness of the country as a destination for entrepreneurs. Other programs, such as the Start-up Fund and various support initiatives, aim to offer financial and technical resources to project leaders. However, the impact remains limited by implementation difficulties and a lack of synergy between the different public and private actors.

For Sdiri, the legal framework in Tunisia has seen significant improvements with laws such as the Start-up Act, but much remains to be done to make life easier for entrepreneurs. “Although administrative procedures have been simplified for some companies, others face bureaucratic obstacles. The process of creating a business remains relatively long and complex compared to international standards. To strengthen the attractiveness of the ecosystem, it would be necessary to continue to simplify procedures, improve access to public funding and encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors,” assures Sdiri.

Funding problems again and again!

According to him, Tunisian entrepreneurs face several major challenges, particularly in terms of financing and market access.

“The lack of venture capital and limited access to bank loans often hinder the growth of young companies. Although some initiatives, such as the Start-up Fund, exist to address this lack, entrepreneurs still have to rely on their own resources or call on foreign investors, which can be a barrier,” the manager points out.

In addition, export and foreign trade regulations can be restrictive, making it difficult to access international markets. The lack of adequate infrastructure and specialized training also limits opportunities for many start-ups that struggle to compete internationally.

“Despite these obstacles, several emerging trends offer great prospects for the future of entrepreneurship in Tunisia. The development of green and sustainable technologies, the increased digitalization of public and private services, as well as the rise of the circular economy and social and solidarity economy initiatives are all factors that could positively shape the Tunisian entrepreneurial landscape in the years to come,” mentions Sdiri.

And he continued: “In addition, with a dynamic and committed Tunisian diaspora, many opportunities for collaboration with international investors and experts are emerging, thus offering a valuable global network for local entrepreneurs.” In short, Tunisia is consolidating a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. According to the interlocutor, this growth is marked by innovative initiatives and a certain dynamism. “However, the realization of this potential depends on the ability to overcome structural challenges and improve the regulatory and financial framework for entrepreneurs,” Sdiri said.