The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organized a business-to-business event (B2B) to present and bridge eco-innovative technology applications that can improve aquaculture farms’ environmental and economic performance in Tunisia. 

During the B2B event, over 90 participants were engaged, including twelve technology providers from Denmark, France, Greece, Norway, Spain and Tunisia. Over 80% of Tunisian aquafarms participated in the event, including representatives of the National Industry Federation and institutions such as the National Agency for Environmental Protection, Export Promotion Agency, and Regional Offices of the Ministry of Agriculture

Over 100 bilateral meetings between Tunisian aquafarm professionals and technology providers took place during the B2B event. During these meetings, potential business relationships and the specific needs and solutions of each party involved were explored. The Italian Cooperation Agency and the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency also presented financial mechanisms specifically designed to encourage private sector investments in sustainable technologies in the aquaculture sector. 

The event was held as part of the EU-funded SwitchMed Programme Blue Economy project, which, under the lead of UNIDO, aims to support the uptake of more sustainable practices along the Tunisian aquaculture value chain. By integrating first-of-a-kind technologies to Tunisia, the UNIDO pilot project currently demonstrates the application of selected technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital tools, within an aquaculture facility in the Monastir Bay area that can improve operational performance in the industrial context of Tunisia’s marine aquaculture.