Tunisia–Saudi Arabia : towards stronger economic cooperation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia now ranks among the top ten investors in Tunisia, with cumulative investments exceeding $375 million by the end of 2024, announced Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, during the forum held in Riyadh as part of the 12th session of the Tunisia–Saudi Joint Commission.

These investments are reflected in the presence of about 500 Saudi or Saudi-participating companies operating in Tunisia, seven of which expanded their activities during the first nine months of 2025, signaling growing momentum between the two economies.

Sustained trade flows

Economic cooperation is also reflected in significant trade: the volume of exchanges between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia reached 964 million Tunisian dinars by the end of 2024. Tunisian exports to Saudi Arabia account for approximately 26% of total Tunisian exports to the Gulf region, around 117 million dinars, carried out by 126 Tunisian exporting companies, according to the Tunisian Export Promotion Center (CEPEX).

These figures show a trade relationship that goes beyond geographic proximity: Saudi Arabia is a key market for Tunisian products in the Gulf region, providing important outlets for local industries.

A context of confidence and opportunities

Samir Abdelhafidh emphasized that these positive indicators demonstrate Saudi investors’ confidence in Tunisia’s business climate and its competitive advantages. The sustained presence of Saudi companies across various sectors shows the diversity of economic opportunities, ranging from industry and agriculture to health and tourism, sectors often highlighted by authorities during the joint session.

For his part, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, underlined at the forum the strategic importance of bilateral economic relations, stating that the event represented “an important step in transforming opportunities into concrete projects with strong economic impact.”

Tunisia, a bridge between Africa and the Arab world

This economic cooperation fits into a broader context of growing ties between African and Middle Eastern nations, where investment and trade serve as structural levers for growth. Tunisia, as a bridge between Africa and the Arab world, benefits from a favorable position to attract foreign investments and develop regional value chains.

Saudi investors see the Tunisian market as an attractive opportunity to diversify their portfolios while contributing to industrial development, job creation, and the integration of new technologies. This dynamic is strengthened by multilateral agreements and cooperation initiatives within the Tunisia–Saudi Joint Commission, created to turn bilateral potential into tangible results.

ICT, renewable energy, and agro-industry at the heart of Tunisia’s attractiveness

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Tunisian authorities emphasize the need to simplify administrative procedures, improve the business environment, and implement targeted incentives to attract more foreign direct investment. The potential remains significant, especially in innovative sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, and agro-industry.

While Saudi Arabia confirms its place among Tunisia’s major economic partners, the bilateral relationship has yet to reach its full potential. The strengthening of trade, the expansion of Saudi companies in Tunisia, and the diversification of investment sectors reflect a growing commitment aligned with both countries’ ambitions to promote sustainable and shared economic growth.