AfDB–EBRD Study Maps Tunisia’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Calls for Key Reforms

By filling key information gaps, the report enables decision-makers to better understand the barriers facing entrepreneurs and to design targeted interventions to support enterprise creation and growth.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have released a landmark joint study providing the most comprehensive assessment to date of Tunisia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Tunisia Entrepreneurial Profile 2025 report identifies the country’s strengths, structural constraints, and priority reforms needed to unlock the full potential of its private sector—widely recognized as a fundamental driver of economic growth, innovation, and job creation.

Funded by the United Kingdom Embassy and prepared in collaboration with the Government of Tunisia, the study provides policymakers with fresh data, evidence-based insights, and actionable guidance to improve the business environment for entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

A Critical Tool for Policymakers

UK High Commissioner to Tunisia Roderick Drummond emphasized the strategic importance of the study:

“The Tunisia Entrepreneurial Profile 2025 provides Tunisian authorities with a unique dataset to inform policies supporting entrepreneurship and micro-enterprises. These insights are essential for shaping effective public policies.”

By filling key information gaps, the report enables decision-makers to better understand the barriers facing entrepreneurs and to design targeted interventions to support enterprise creation and growth.

A Strong Entrepreneurial Base—With Untapped Potential

Welcoming the report’s publication, AfDB Deputy Director General for North Africa Malinne Blomberg highlighted Tunisia’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture:

“Tunisia’s entrepreneurial profile offers a solid evidence base to design tailored programmes that stimulate investment, enterprise creation, employment, and economic inclusion.”

Despite economic pressures, Tunisia continues to demonstrate resilience and innovation through its entrepreneurs, especially in digital, creative, and green economy sectors.

Joint Commitment to Private Sector Competitiveness

EBRD’s Director for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, Richard Jones, underscored the value of the partnership between the two institutions:

“This report reflects the complementarity between the EBRD and AfDB in promoting an inclusive and competitive private sector in Tunisia. It is part of our joint commitment to creating an environment conducive to investment and sustainable entrepreneurship.”

Key Findings and Priority Actions

The Tunisia Entrepreneurial Profile 2025 combines economic data, field surveys, and sectoral diagnostics to identify critical levers for boosting entrepreneurship and accelerating MSME growth. Key reform areas include:

1. Enhancing Access to Finance

• Expanding credit and financial instruments for MSMEs

• Strengthening microfinance institutions and guarantee schemes

• Improving financial literacy for small business owners

2. Integrating MSMEs into Value Chains

• Promoting linkages with local industries and regional markets

• Supporting certification, quality standards, and supply chain readiness

3. Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship

• Closing gender gaps in access to capital, markets, and training

• Strengthening mentorship and women-led business networks

4. Expanding and Modernizing Business Support Services

• Increasing incubation, acceleration, and advisory services

• Improving public–private coordination in entrepreneurship programs

5. Formalization and Business Upgrading

• Simplifying administrative procedures

• Encouraging informal enterprises to transition to formal operations

• Supporting digital transformation for MSMEs

A Roadmap for Inclusive and Competitive Growth

The study provides Tunisia with a timely roadmap for making its private sector more resilient, dynamic, and competitive, especially as the country seeks to accelerate post-pandemic recovery and create more opportunities for youth and women.

By leveraging the findings of the Tunisia Entrepreneurial Profile 2025, the government and its development partners can drive structural reforms that foster innovation, stimulate investment, and strengthen the country’s long-term economic prospects.