During EXPRESS FM 's Special Automotive Day , the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) organized a panel discussion dedicated to sustainability and the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) approach . This program brought together Béchir DARDOUR (TAA) , Rahma HIZEM (GIZ) , and Khouloud TURKI (TAA) for a discussion on sustainability challenges in the Tunisian automotive industry.
The speakers emphasized the strategic importance of integrating ESG into business models to ensure competitiveness and compliance with international standards. They also presented the ESG framework developed by the TAA , designed to support companies in the automotive sector in their sustainable transition.
Through this initiative, TAA confirms its leading role in the responsible transformation of the Tunisian automotive sector , by supporting concrete actions in environmental, social and governance responsibility . The objective: to position Tunisia as a sustainable, innovative automotive hub aligned with international industry requirements.
During the special program hosted by Manel Gharbi on EXPRESS FM , the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) brought together the main players in the Tunisian automotive ecosystem to discuss two key levers of competitiveness: technological innovation and sustainability (ESG) .
Around the table, Karim Benna (ACTIA Engineering Services, TAA) , Mehdi Hadrouchi (Focus Corporation) , Khaled Daami (Cluster Mecatronic Tunisia) and Hichem Turki (Novation City) highlighted the crucial role of research and development (R&D) in the transformation and performance of the automotive sector in Tunisia.
The discussions highlighted several innovative projects in the fields of electronics, software, data and artificial intelligence , illustrating the rise of technological Made in Tunisia . The program also highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation between businesses, universities and research centers to build a more competitive, sustainable and future-oriented Tunisian automotive ecosystem.
During her appearance on EXPRESS FM , as part of the Special Automotive Day , Lamia Gharbi , Director of Communication for the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) , highlighted a strategic issue for the development of the Tunisian automotive industry : the visibility and image of the sector .
She highlighted the key role of the TAA in promoting the national automotive ecosystem , by showcasing Tunisian know-how , industrial successes and economic and institutional partnerships on an international scale.
Through its communication actions , professional events and cooperation programs , the TAA strengthens the reputation of the Tunisian automotive sector , attracts new foreign investors and positions Tunisia as a competitive and sustainable automotive hub linking Africa and Europe.
This international visibility strategy is part of a long-term vision: to make Tunisia a leading player in the global automotive industry , recognized for the quality of its skills, innovations and partnerships .
The German company Kromberg & Schubert has officially launched operations at its second factory in the Béja industrial zone, confirming one of the largest foreign industrial investments in the region. The unit, specializing in the manufacture of automotive cables, has been operational for approximately three months and already employs nearly 1,000 people, according to Wissem Badri, the company's CEO.
The official stated that recruitment will continue at an increasing pace, with a target of 6,000 jobs within the next two to three years. The total cost of the project amounts to 300 million dinars.
With its two production sites in Béja, Kromberg & Schubert's overall employment capacity is expected to reach 12,000 jobs, making the company one of the largest industrial employers in Tunisia.
“This investment marks a major step for the economic development of Béja. It should strengthen the attractiveness of the region for foreign investors, boost the industrial zone and create new opportunities for young people, while consolidating Béja’s position as an export-oriented industrial hub,” the official further emphasized.
The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) was invited to a strategic meeting bringing together His Excellency Mr. Lee Tae-won, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and key stakeholders in the Tunisian-Korean partnership. The meeting was held in a prestigious industrial setting, with Mr. Slim Sellami, President of the Tunisian-Korean Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Badreddine Anane, and Mr. Mehdi Mahjoub, CEO of Hyundai Tunisia, also in attendance.
The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) was represented by Ms. Lamia Fourati, Vice President, and Ms. Fatma Kolsi, General Manager. They highlighted the dynamism of the automotive industry in Tunisia, the country's competitive advantages, and opportunities for cooperation with Korean companies. Discussions focused on sector development, skills development, innovation, industrial quality, and prospects for bilateral collaboration.
This meeting confirms the growing strategic interest in the Tunisian automotive ecosystem and consolidates the role of the TAA as a platform for connecting the Tunisian industry with its international partners.
The Tunisian Automotive Association continues its commitment: to promote the Tunisian automotive industry, attract international collaborations and support companies towards global standards.
Thanks are extended to Ms. Claire Jong Hyun Jih and Mr. Youssef Baltagi for their contribution to this meeting.
TAA continues to structure high value-added alliances in order to accelerate the competitiveness and sustainable growth of the automotive sector in Tunisia.
The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) has reached a major strategic milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the France-Tunisia AI Club . This alliance clearly repositions the ecosystem on the regional industrial AI scene and paves the way for a pipeline of high-value initiatives.
Leadership of this alliance:
Philippe Garcia , Director for North Africa – Business France Tunisia
Nejia Gharbi , Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations
Neila Benzina , La French Tech Tunis
Fatma Kolsi , General Director – TAA
Béchir Dardour , Member of the Steering Committee – TAA
This partnership acts as an operational lever to accelerate the work of the AI applied to industry group and activate key projects: ✔ Deployment of AI solutions at the heart of industrial value chains, ✔ Strengthening of Tunisian-French technological synergies, ✔ Creating bridges between startups, institutions, experts and manufacturers, ✔ Structuring a Mediterranean hub dedicated to innovation and industrial transformation.
The ambition is clear: to position Tunisia as a regional hub for industrial AI , competitive, interconnected and future-oriented.
Many thanks to our partners and to the French Embassy in Tunisia for their support and assistance.
The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) , in collaboration with GIZ Tunisia , AAAM – African Association of Automotive Manufacturers and the Mechatronic Cluster Tunisia , hosted an official delegation from the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President of Uganda . This high-level visit brought together leaders from the technology, industrial, academic and entrepreneurial sectors to strengthen Tunisian-Ugandan cooperation, promote innovation and develop new industrial prospects in Africa.
Members of the Ugandan delegation
Peter Ouen – Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – Office of the President
David Gonahasa – Team Lead, Industry 4.0+ Office
Trevor Lwere – Economic Analyst
Melissa Kirabo – Program Officer, Industry 4.0+ Office
Raphael Babigaba – Senior Accounting Officer
Gerald Baguma – Founder & CEO, Auri Studio
Karugaba Ivan – Founder & CEO, Lwera Electronics and Semiconductors Ltd
Roland F. Ganafa – CEO, AI Studio Uganda
David Tusubira – CTO, Innovex Uganda Limited
Dr Cathy Ikiror Mbidde – General Manager, Makerere University UniPod
Anthony Okimat – Project Coordinator, Engineering Development and Innovation Center
A strategic program to strengthen industrial and technological cooperation
The mission combined institutional meetings, industrial visits, technological discoveries, academic exchanges, and participation in the Global AI Congress in Sousse . The objective: to accelerate collaborations in Industry 4.0, digital innovation, engineering, training, and advanced technologies.
Highlights of the visit
Enova Robotics Presentation of robotic solutions by Anis Sahbani, CEO.
ENISO – National Engineering School of Sousse Guided tour of the laboratories and engineering departments with Prof. Najoua Essoukri Ben Amara.
CRT – CETIME Tunisia Presentation of technological capabilities and prototyping by Hatem Amor.
InspireTech – Mediwave – Techparts – Softylines Session dedicated to 3D solutions, engineering and rapid prototyping, led by Anis Trigui.
NOVATION CITY Strategic meeting on innovation and digital transformation with Hichem Turki and Yassine Fayala.
Nielsen Recycling Solutions – Enfidha Site visit led by Ghassen Saoudi.
STMicroelectronics Tunisia Presentation of the activities of the Tunisian site.
Central University – Honoris United Universities Discussions with Ons Tlili, PhD, on academic innovation and technological education.
OneTech Group – Bizerte (Eleonetech & Fuba) Welcome by Lamia Fourati and Mounir Toumi and tour of the electronic production lines.
Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy Institutional discussion on industrial opportunities Tunisia–Uganda.
ACTIA Africa & AES Presentation of engineering and embedded electronics platforms by Yemen Z.
CIPI ACTIA Guided tour focused on industrial excellence and export, led by Christophe Ponceau.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) and CETIME Tunisia formalized the signing of a strategic partnership agreement during a meeting held at CETIME headquarters.
The meeting took place in the presence of Mr. Noureddine Guizani , Director General of CETIME, and Ms. Fatma Kolsi , Director General of TAA, accompanied by senior managers from CETIME as well as Mr. Adnan Boubaker , Director of Human Resources and Social Sustainability at TAA.
This meeting made it possible to align the visions of the two institutions around several axes of strategic cooperation aimed at supporting the development of the automotive industry sector in Tunisia , a high value-added sector, recognized as a lever for economic growth , the creation of skilled jobs and integration into global value chains .
The signed agreement marks a significant step in strengthening institutional collaboration between the TAA and CETIME. It is part of a shared strategy aimed at:
Strengthening the competitiveness of the Tunisian automotive sector ,
Developing skills, human capital and employability ,
Supporting industrial companies through targeted technical assistance ,
Promoting industrial innovation , quality and standardization ,
To sustainably improve industrial productivity and performance .
Through this partnership, TAA and CETIME Tunisia intend to pool their expertise , stimulate synergies between players in the automotive ecosystem , and actively contribute to upgrading the national industrial chain , in line with the requirements of regional and international markets .
This strategic collaboration confirms the commitment of both institutions to sustainable industrial development , oriented towards performance , innovation and value creation for companies in the automotive sector in Tunisia.
TAA and CETIME are working together to build the future of the Tunisian automotive industry.
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