Africa’s Vision in Tunis
Financing Advancement and Trade in Africa 2025
Tunis Showcases African Ambitions at FITA 2025 – With Spotlight on Startup Expansion
On May 6–7, 2025, Tunis became a hub of pan-African economic dialogue during the 8th edition of the “Financing Investment & Trade in Africa” (FITA) conference. With over 2,000 participants from 60 countries, this year’s edition focused on accelerating Africa’s transformation through industrial development, energy transition, digital innovation, and modern infrastructure.
Held under the banner “Driving Africa’s Transformation,” FITA 2025 offered a wide platform for dialogue and exchange, combining high-level panels, sector-specific workshops, and thousands of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Engagement
As part of the official side events, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation partnered with the African Business Leaders Association to co-host a high-impact panel titled “Expansion of Startups in Africa.” The discussion brought together experts from across the continent to explore the unique strengths of African startups and the conditions required for their successful expansion beyond national borders.
The session tackled core issues such as product-market adaptation, the importance of local partnerships, and the role of innovation hubs, diaspora networks, and international platforms in scaling ventures across Africa. Speakers shared practical insights drawn from their experience in startup mentoring, innovation ecosystems, and regional collaboration.
Beyond the panel, the Foundation maintained a dedicated stand throughout the two-day conference. This space showcased a curated selection of policy papers developed in partnership with regional stakeholders, emphasizing key themes like economic freedom, digital innovation, and inclusive development. The stand also served as a vibrant networking space, facilitating exchanges with entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and fellow development actors from across the continent.
Tunisia’s Regional Strategy
FITA 2025 also reinforced Tunisia’s ambition to become a bridge between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. The country’s trade with sub-Saharan Africa has tripled over the past decade, and its government is actively promoting sectors like healthcare, medical tourism, and digital services as key drivers for deeper integration.
With its strategic location, dynamic private sector, and expanding presence across African markets such as Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Nigeria, Tunisia positions itself as a gateway for regional cooperation and investment.
Promising Outlook
While economic growth remains modest projected at 1.4% in 2025 Tunisia’s resilience and reform momentum, alongside its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offer long-term potential. Structural improvements in business governance and public sector efficiency could further enhance its attractiveness as a regional economic player.
In a context where Africa is expected to reach 2.5 billion inhabitants by 2050, events like FITA and active contributions from organizations such as the Friedrich Naumann Foundation—underscore the growing importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared solutions for the continent’s transformation.