African Development Bank Grants Over €80 Million to Upgrade Tunisia’s Road Infrastructure

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has awarded Tunisia a significant loan of €80.16 million to fund the next phase of the country’s road infrastructure modernization. This loan, part of the ongoing Road Infrastructure Modernization Programme, aims to revamp critical transportation links across seven Tunisian governorates, improving connectivity and fostering economic growth.

The €86.21 million project, set to run from 2025 to 2030, will enhance 188.9 km of roads in the governorates of Kef, Kasserine, Sousse, Sfax, Kairouan, Siliana, and Gafsa. These regions face economic challenges due to inadequate transport infrastructure, hindering their full economic potential. The AfDB loan will cover 92.98% of the project costs, with Tunisia contributing €6.05 million in support.

The primary goal of the project is to create a more efficient and sustainable transport system that facilitates the movement of goods and people across Tunisia. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to strengthen regional economies, improve road safety, and reduce travel times, thus contributing to the country’s economic development.

The transport sector plays a crucial role in Tunisia’s economy, contributing about 5% to GDP and supporting approximately 160,000 jobs. The third phase of the Road Infrastructure Modernization Programme follows two earlier successful phases, which collectively transformed more than 4,000 km of roads and added over 100 km of motorways.

Solomon Quaynor, AfDB’s Vice President for the Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization, emphasized the transformative impact of the road upgrades. “The Bank’s intervention will not only improve road access but also boost opportunities for local businesses and SMEs, creating new jobs for the youth and facilitating the movement of goods,” he said. The project is expected to enhance Tunisia’s competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, by improving access to high-value agricultural regions.

In addition to boosting Tunisia’s economic prospects, the road upgrades will help balance infrastructure development between Tunisia’s more prosperous areas and its border regions with Algeria. This regional development focus is designed to address disparities in infrastructure quality and reduce youth unemployment by generating local job opportunities.

The project also aligns with the AfDB’s operational priorities, contributing to the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy for 2024-2033, which focuses on integration and improving the quality of life for people across Africa.

This initiative is a crucial step in Tunisia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure, create economic opportunities for its citizens, and ensure long-term sustainable growth.