Tunisian Trade Minister Samir Abid has unveiled details of the “Africa Gateway” project, a continental trade corridor designed to position Tunisia as a strategic hub linking Europe, Africa, and Asia.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, the corridor will pass through Libya, connecting Tunisia with several Sub-Saharan African nations, including Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. Officials say the route will open new opportunities for regional integration and economic growth.
Minister Abid highlighted that the initiative aims to boost Tunisia’s role as a commercial bridge while also enhancing Libya’s position as a vital transit country. The project is expected to reduce trade barriers, expand transport networks, and encourage investment in cross-border infrastructure.
The “Africa Gateway” builds on an agreement reached in August 2023, when Tunisia and Libya jointly announced plans to establish a continental corridor towards Sub-Saharan Africa during a ministerial meeting in Tunis. The collaboration underlined the shared ambition of both nations to improve connectivity and expand access to new markets across the continent.
Analysts view the project as a potential game-changer for North African trade, as it aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By linking Mediterranean ports to landlocked states in central Africa, the corridor could significantly reduce transport costs and delivery times.
Observers say successful implementation will depend on stability in Libya and continued political will from both sides. For Tunisia, the initiative comes as the country seeks to diversify its economy and attract new investment, while Libya could benefit from transit revenues and closer integration with regional markets.
