Netherlands Trade Mission to Tunisia on Climate and Water Smart Agriculture

Country Information

Tunisia is the smallest country in the Maghreb region. The country has 12.4 million inhabitants. The population is highly educated and ambitious. The economy has been growing by 4.4% in 2021 and 2.1% in 2022.

Mission Context

Tunisian Agriculture

Tunisia has a long history of agriculture. They mainly grows crops that require little water, such as olives and dates.

Tunisia’s agricultural sector grows vegetables for the local market. The sector makes little use of greenhouses. Some Dutch companies grow tomatoes in large greenhouses, which go to Europe after harvest.

Water Shortage in the Agricultural Sector

Tunisia has a water shortage: climate change is making this problem worse. Rainy seasons are becoming less predictable, and periods of drought longer and longer.

In Tunisia, agriculture is the main consumer of water. The sector uses more than 80% of the water available, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Market Opportunities in Tunisia

There are market opportunities in Tunisia’s water, inclusive agriculture, renewable energy and agritech & innovation sectors. Due to the water shortage, Tunisian agriculture must change. The sector must become more economical, sustainable and efficient. Through innovation and the adoption of modern agricultural techniques, the agricultural sector can employ more people, including youth and women.

For whom?

This trade mission is of interest to Dutch companies and knowledge institutions that have solutions for climate/water-smart and future-proof agriculture.

Participants of this mission have knowledge, technology or services for climate-proof seeds, irrigation, desalination, water storage, water treatment, cooling, greenhouse construction, substrates, agricultural machinery, agroforestry, soil management, technology, and/or digitalisation.

Why participate?

By participating in this trade mission you will have the opportunity to:

• get to know the Tunisian market and government;
• share your knowledge and expertise at the seminar and in a presentation room, during the trade show;
• participate in individual matchmaking with Tunisian companies;
• visit inspiring companies; and to
• learn from Dutch organisations already active in Tunisia.