As Tunisia undergoes transformation, it is committing to a more sustainable future with innovative projects and ambitious strategies. Discover the challenges and successes of ongoing ecological initiatives and how they are shaping the country's green future.

What is the Green Economy?

The green economy aims to promote sustainable development by integrating environmentally friendly practices into economic activities. Here are some key global and Tunisian figures about the green economy.

Global Key Figures

1.Market Growth:

In 2021, global investments in renewable energy reached approximately $500 billion, with expected growth in the coming years.

2.Green Jobs: 

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 24 million jobs could be created by 2030 through policies promoting a green economy..

3.Emission Reductions:

Initiatives aim for a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

Key Figures for Tunisia:  

1. Current State : The green economy in Tunisia is still emerging. While its importance is increasingly recognized, it is constrained by a lack of awareness and concrete initiatives.

2.Jobs:  The transition to a green economy could create job opportunities, but precise statistics are scarce. Tunisia also faces challenges such as water management, with 90% of water used for agriculture.

3. Projects and Initiatives: Projects like Dar Zaghouan, a rural lodge using traditional agricultural techniques, highlight efforts toward eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.

4. Funding:The country seeks to mobilize funds for the green economy with support from local banks and international cooperations. Grants and tax incentives are being considered to encourage green initiatives.

5.Challenges:Obstacles include conservative economic policies, a lack of assessment and control, and insufficient investment in clean technologies.

Top Eco-Friendly Countries in 2023:

1. Islande:Nearly 100% of electricity comes from renewable sources; wind farms are being developed to reduce GHG emissions.

2. Finlande:Building low-carbon structures to minimize environmental impact.

3. Norvège : Participating in the Clean Energy Marine Hubs initiative to promote green fuels.

4. Danemark :Increasing carbon emission taxes to incentivize emission reductions.

5. Suède:Agreement with H&M for purchasing 90 MW of solar energy..

In Summary

Tunisia's green economy is still developing, but there are significant opportunities for growth and innovation. With coordinated efforts, Tunisia could become a model in North Africa.

Transition to a Circular Economy:

The circular economy aims to reduce resource consumption and waste by recovering, processing, and recycling materials. Recycling is crucial and occurs at various stages of a product's lifecycle.

Progress in Tunisia

-National Strategy: Adopted in 2021 with investments in waste sorting and recovery units.

-Startups:

Exmad Deco  

Founded by Mohamed Ali Dhemaied, this startup transforms marble waste into reflective pebbles and tiles, reducing waste and energy consumption.

 Blue Jet 

Created by Ismail Thabet, this company develops "Irouini," a smart irrigation system using IoT to optimize water use in Tunisian oases.

Algaepool 

Co-founded by Taieb Nemissi, this startup grows microalgae in recycled maritime containers, offering an innovative solution for algae valorization.

Regional Comparison

Tunisia lags behind countries like Morocco, which has made notable progress in renewable energy. Despite international commitments, implementation remains insufficient.

Economic Ecosystem in Tunisia

- Startups and Projects:  The country actively develops green startups supported by programs such as:

 GIMED

Launched in 2019, supporting eco-innovative businesses in the Mediterranean with grants and mentorship. Recently, two startups received €7,500 each from the EU.

  Startup10 

Initiated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supporting 140 startups in the green and blue economy sectors. Tunisia is one of ten targeted countries, offering financial and technical support.

Challenges:

Essential needs include funding, accelerating regulatory reforms, and raising public awareness for a successful transition.n.

Tunisia is showing increasing potential in the green and circular economy, supported by local and international initiatives. Startups like Exmad Deco, Blue Jet, and Algaepool illustrate growing innovation and commitment to sustainable practices, contributing to the country's ecological transition. Although Tunisia has strengths and potential to develop a green economy, it must intensify its efforts to overcome economic and environmental challenges. Compared to other regional countries, Tunisia is behind in adopting and implementing effective green policies but has a foundation to build on for a more sustainable future.

Sources: World Bank / IMF / Government websites