Industry

As in other North African markets, the Tunisian retail sector has been predominantly controlled by a myriad of small shops. However, modern distribution channels have gradually emerged over the past 15 years with the expansion of international supermarket chains and franchises across the country. During the 2011 revolution, many supermarkets...

Tunisia has extensive experience in phosphate mining and fertiliser production, as the country’s first mines opened in the late 19th century. Tunisia relies on substantial reserves of phosphate rock, which is estimated at 900m tonnes and regulated by the National Office of Mines. As its stands, phosphate accounts for 2% of Tunisia’s GDP and...

Aeronautics has been one of Tunisia’s fastest-growing industries since 2003, posting double-digit annual growth rates even after the 2011 revolution. The country has leveraged its proximity to Europe and specialises in low-cost component manufacturing.

As a labour-intensive and export-oriented industry, textiles was the first manufacturing segment to benefit from the creation of an offshore regime in 1972. For around 35 years the sector was one of the main engines of GDP growth, benefitting from easy access to European markets and a competitive workforce. Since 2008, however, the industry...

Power is one of the biggest hurdles to stronger growth in sub-Saharan Africa, with households and industrial firms struggling to ensure a reliable supply of electricity. A number of solutions are being rolled out, from off-grid networks to new transmission infrastructure, but one of the most necessary is new generation capacity.

Kenya’s power grid is in the midst of an international upgrade, featuring increased connection capacity with neighbouring Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. The country’s potential as a power generator is significant, with supply already outstripping demand and geothermal sources in particular seen as an inexpensive, reliable option. Kenya’s...