Tunisia – Nigeria : a high-potential economic partnership
"Since the 1990s, Tunisia and Nigeria have been developing promising economic ties," recalls Walid Keskes, a strategic marketing expert. In 2024, bilateral trade is gaining momentum, driven by rising investment and stronger regional integration—most notably with the launch of the Tunisia Nigeria Business Council in Abuja.
By Walid Keskes*
Yes, since the 1990s, the countries of Bourguiba and Nnamdi Azikiwe have been nurturing promising economic links.
Here are some key figures for 2024:
- Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Tunisia reached $936 million, a 21% increase compared to 2023.
- Tunisia’s trade deficit rose to TND 18.927 billion (~$5.89 billion).
- Intra-African trade peaked at $208 billion, with West Africa (including Nigeria) ranking second regionally at $52.8 billion.
Main goods & services exchanged:
- Tunisia to Nigeria: olive oil, dates, biscuits, pharmaceuticals, digital services (ICT), construction materials.
- Nigeria to Tunisia: energy (crude oil, gas), agricultural products, and growing potential in agribusiness and ICT.
Thanks to these joint efforts, Tunisian exports to the former Kingdom of Igodomigodo surged from 7 million dinars between January and April 2024 to 82 million dinars by the end of April 2025. Nigeria is now among the top sub-Saharan destinations for Tunisian exports.
So why intensify this cooperation?
- Strategic market: Africa’s “giant,” with 220 million inhabitants, represents a market with vast potential.
- Complementary geographical positioning: Tunisia is a natural gateway to Europe and the Maghreb.
- Industrial & technological synergies: Development of regional value chains through the AfCFTA and projects like the Trans-Saharan Highway.
We’re looking at a win-win partnership: improved bilateral trade balance, job creation in agribusiness, digital services and energy, and a stronger South–South Africa ready to compete globally.
In this context, here’s some good news: the recent official launch of the Tunisia Nigeria Business Council (TNBC) in Abuja—a strategic initiative led by the Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) as part of its commitment to strengthening economic ties with sub-Saharan African markets.
To join TNBC: https://lnkd.in/d4jTmwED
Kudos to the entire TABC team led by Admiral Anis Jaziri!
Long live African Cooperation!
*Walid Keskes is a strategic marketing and business development expert specializing in Africa-Europe relations. A graduate of Université Paris-Est Créteil, he supports startups and international projects, and is actively engaged in promoting African cooperation and business networking.
