The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines, and the Ministry of the Environment, hosted a presentation and kick-off event for the EU-funded Green Forward Industry (GFI) project in Tunisia.

The GFI event marked a pivotal step in Tunisia’s green industrial transformation, introducing stakeholders to the project’s objectives: to demonstrate innovative resource-efficient and circular business models in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the automotive, electrical, and electronics sectors—industries that are vital to Tunisia’s export economy.

“In the industrial sector, the circular economy is not just an option — it is both an opportunity and a necessity. It is built on a simple yet powerful principle: reduce, recycle, and recover. Moreover, automotive manufacturers are now fully recycling end-of-life vehicles. I would like to recall that Tunisia’s automotive sector includes around 300 companies, providing 120,000 jobs. This sector contributes 6% to the national GDP and generates 3 billion dinars in exports,“ declared Ms. Afef Chachi Tayari, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy.

As part of the dialogue, a sectoral mapping exercise was launched to identify value chains with the highest potential for circularity. Conducted by Beyond Solutions, this mapping will inform the selection of pilot projects to be implemented in early 2026, showcasing circular business models that foster green job creation and international competitiveness.

“This initiative is a testament to UNIDOs strategic engagement in the region and our support for Tunisia’s green transition,“ declared Mr. Lassaad Ben Hassine, UNIDO Country Representative to Tunisia. “Building on the progress made under the SwitchMed programme, the Green Forward Industry project leverages UNIDO’s technical expertise to help Tunisian SMEs adopt circular business models, unlock new export opportunities, and strengthen their position in global value chains“.