Tunis Rapid Railway Network Line D inaugurated
Tunis - The Line D project of the Tunis Rapid Railway Network (RFR) between Tunis and Gobaa was inaugurated on Saturday by Transport Minister Rachid Amri.
The project is 13.5 kilometers long and is worth TND 1,360 million, with a 40% contribution from the Tunisian State and 60% covered by co-financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the French Development Agency (AFD), the German Development Bank (KFW) and a TND-28 million grant by the European Union (EU).
European Union's Ambassador to Tunisia Giuseppe Perrone voiced, in a statement to TAP, satisfaction at the launch of this project, perceived as one of the major partnership projects between the European Union and Tunisia.
Transport is a key sector in the bilateral partnership, he said, adding that the launch of this project testifies to the two sides' commitment to achieve projects which positively impact the citizens' living conditions.
The ambassador pointed out that preparations are underway to identify other projects with Tunisia in the transport field, as part of workq of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) in Brussels, which would then be called to examine bilateral partnership agreements in this field and explore new cooperation opportunities.
France's Ambassador to Tunisia Anne Guéguen underlined for her part, the role of the AFD and other partners in the achievement of this project, which will undoubtedly improve transport in Greater Tunis.
© Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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Web Release
12 hours ago
- Web Release
EBRD and EU support sustainable and eco-friendly winemaking in Lebanon
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) recently organised a workshop on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in eco-friendly and sustainable winemaking, helping to strengthen the resilience and economic growth of small wine-producers in Lebanon. The event was attended by Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation in Lebanon and Syria at the EU delegation, Richard Jones, the EBRD's Head of SME Finance and Development for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, Nizar Hani, the Lebanese Minister of Agriculture, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Engineer Louis Lahoud and Zafer Chaoui, the President of Lebanon's National Institute of Vine and Wine. The workshop, which was organised in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture and the National Institute of Vine and Wine (INVV), brought together more than 70 small local businesses and key players in Lebanon's private sector specialising in winemaking. Those businesses had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of AI and robotics by attending a series of technical sessions led by local wine experts. The experts shared their knowledge on the basics of using AI in agriculture and the importance of using such innovations responsibly in winemaking. Participants also learned about ways of complying with sustainability standards and certification requirements which would enable them to export their products to new markets around the world. The experts also shared new AI software tools and practical applications which could help to improve the quality of wine production. Lebanese winemakers shared details of the challenges that they faced when producing wine – explaining, for instance, that political instability and economic crises were disrupting production and exports, while limited access to water and energy was making it difficult to achieve consistency in the quality of grapes. Participants took part in a brainstorming session looking at innovative solutions to help improve their wineries and vineyards. Khalil Dinguizli, Head of Lebanon at the EBRD, said: 'Today's event is a valuable opportunity to highlight the resilience of Lebanon's private sector, particularly its SMEs, which continue to grow despite numerous challenges. The determination of Lebanese entrepreneurs is truly inspiring and lies at the heart of our growing collaboration with the European Union to support the private sector through tailored programmes'. He added: 'At the EBRD, and across everything that we do, we have three institutional priorities we promote and work towards: supporting the Green Transition, supporting the Digital Transformation, and working towards Equality of Opportunity and Inclusion. Today's topic is at the intersection of all three. Since 2018, with EU funding, we've supported over 330 Lebanese SMEs through more than 450 projects and various trainings. With the launch of the Innovation Programme in 2023 and the Resource Efficiency & Circularity Programme in 2024, we are eager to extend this support to Lebanon's wine sector—fostering innovation, research, and greener business practices.' After welcoming all the participants, the President of the National Institute of Vine and Wine in Lebanon, Zafar Chawi, said: 'Our gathering today reflects our collective awareness that the future of the vine and wine sector depends on our ability to adapt and innovate. We take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude for the cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Your presence with us today confirms your interest in inclusive economic growth in our region and your commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises in the wine sector through funding applied research projects and helping small producers face real and pressing challenges. This workshop and the projects associated with it represent a model example of how to build a bridge between science and nature, ensuring that innovation serves everyone — especially the passionate small producers who give Lebanese wine its unique identity.' The Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Engineer Louis Lahoud, expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture for his support and backing of the sector, and continued by saying: 'We achieve accomplishments through the integration of everyone's efforts. I salute the private sector, particularly the National Institute of Vine and Wine in Lebanon and the Lebanese Wine Union, for their dedicated efforts. I also call on everyone to collaborate to further develop the sector. Our gathering today is an excellent initiative to support this chain within the production chains. Lebanon deserves all the best, and I thank all the universities for their cooperation in this regard. Artificial intelligence is becoming central to the work of the Ministry of Agriculture, which has organized training sessions aimed at development and growth.' Lahoud also announced that the Ministry of Agriculture will continue promoting Lebanese wine in local and international markets. Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation in Lebanon and Syria at the EU Delegation, said: 'Innovation is a key driver of SME competitiveness and economic growth in Lebanon. I am very pleased to witness the outcomes of the partnership between the EBRD and the EU. Over the past few years, our collaboration with the EBRD has supported numerous SME initiatives — a significant achievement that has helped sustain the dynamism of Lebanon's private sector, despite the challenging times the country has faced.' She added: 'We will continue to stand alongside Lebanon and its private sector to continue invest in knowledge, innovation and people because these are the main factors of sustainable growth.' EBRD's Head of SME Finance and Development for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, Richard Jones said: 'Lebanon has faced multiple crises in recent years, yet its private sector remains dynamic and its entrepreneurs resilient. As a private sector-focused institution, we see great potential in Lebanon once ongoing reforms take hold. Given the challenges in the local banking sector, we have partnered with the European Union to develop two tailored programmes supporting SME competitiveness: one fostering industry-academia collaboration to drive innovation, and the other advancing the green transition with access to finance through repayable grants. Our goal is to empower SME champions to realize their full potential. Today's event highlights our commitment to sectoral collaboration and capacity building. Lebanon's internationally renowned wine industry can thrive even more with the right support, and we are proud—thanks to generous EU funding—to contribute to its sustainability and technological advancement.' Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani stated: 'Building the future of agriculture requires the tools of the technological revolution, foremost among them artificial intelligence. In this context, today's workshop aims to shed light on the wine sector, which holds significant economic and cultural importance in Lebanon. 'We believe that developing this sector will not only stimulate the local economy but also create new job opportunities for youth and enhance the competitiveness of Lebanese products in both local and international markets.' He added: 'The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirms its full commitment to supporting this vital sector and will take the recommendations of this workshop into consideration within its national strategy. It also calls for unified efforts among all partners, including government entities, international organizations, universities, experts, and civil society.' Since the start of its operations in Lebanon, the EBRD has invested more than €860 million in the country, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector, promoting sustainable energy, and improving the quality and efficiency of public services.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Sawiris Foundation signs an MoU with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to develop agricultural solutions
Cairo, Egypt: To advance innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions that support smallholder farmers in Egypt—particularly in the governorates of Sohag and Minya—Sawiris Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to launch a joint pilot project aimed at achieving this important goal. With this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, Louis Dreyfus Foundation and The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development formalized their collaboration to tackle the significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers in rural Egypt, particularly focusing on climate vulnerability and limited credit and market access. The proposed solution is a comprehensive package of bundled agricultural services, centered around tailored credit products designed to incentivize the adoption of climate-smart inputs and practices. This approach aims to enhance farmers' resilience to climate change, leading to improved crop quality and yields. Marie-Hélène Loison, Deputy Director General of AFD, emphasized: 'AFD will provide a technical support from its Impact Evaluation Department and is proud to join forces with two major Egyptian foundations and Louis Dreyfus for its longstanding experience of projects promoting sustainable micro-farming and agricultural practices. Naguib Sawiris, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sawiris Foundation, said: "this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and empowering Egyptian communities. By joining forces with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and deliver innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions directly to small farmers in Sohag and Minya'. Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: 'this initiative is a testament to our belief in collective action to drive lasting change, providing tangible pathways to increased income and economic stability for those who need it most". Robert Serpollet, General Manager of Louis Dreyfus Foundation, said: 'Together, we will work towards the shared goal of uplifting agricultural communities. This joint effort and collaboration are essential for shaping more resilient communities and a more sustainable food system'. Hassan E. Allam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This partnership reaffirms our commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions, a vision championed by my late father and sister which we are keen to uphold. We are proud to work alongside our distinguished partners in delivering climate-smart agricultural solutions tailored to the needs of Egypt's smallholder farmers'. Amr E. Allam, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This project aims to improve productivity, raise incomes, and build climate resilience in Sohag and Minya—underscoring our mission to help uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty'. It is worth noting that the Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant step toward empowering smallholder farmers in Egypt through climate-smart, sustainable agriculture. By combining the strengths of all four partners, the initiative offers a scalable model to boost productivity, build climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in rural communities. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group has established itself as a key player in Franco-Egyptian cooperation, working since 2006 to support the country's economic, social and environmental transitions. In response to these challenges, AFD is stepping up its efforts and in 2022 revised its strategic intervention framework to support the country in the transitions underway and respond to Egypt's specific climate change adaptation needs, gender equality or training and employment. With a portfolio of €2.3 billion (November 2023), AFD is deploying a diversified range of instruments to support the Egyptian government in its development objectives, mainly in the sustainable infrastructure sectors (energy, transport, water and sanitation), climate finance, support for the private sector and entrepreneurship, and social sectors, including social protection. Today, 55 projects are underway, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflecting the priorities shared by Egypt and France. They are intended to support the integration of Egyptian financial, commercial and productive systems at the regional level; to support the development of green, inclusive and efficient infrastructure; and promote equitable and sustainable local territorial development. About Sawiris Foundation: The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) is one of the first donor foundations in Egypt. Established in 2001 by the Sawiris family, SFSD philanthropically promotes and supports innovative solutions that target comprehensive and sustainable development in Egypt. Over the last 24 years, SFSD has addressed the most pressing issues facing marginalized Egyptians, such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to quality education, by funding the delivery of programs aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, in partnership with the governmental and private sectors as well as civil society. By creating thousands of job opportunities and providing quality education and access to basic services, we have impacted the lives of approximately 1 million Egyptians. Our funded programs cover 24 Egyptian governorates, focusing on the most remote villages. With increasing global and national challenges, Sawiris Foundation developed its strategic directions while finding the most cost-effective and impactful ways to support Egypt's marginalized families and those trying to further positive social change in Egypt. By following the philosophy of effective altruism and evidence-based practices, we have launched our 2023-2028 strategy to maximize our impact in reducing multidimensional poverty and empowering agents of change in Egypt. About LDF: The Louis Dreyfus Foundation aims to promote projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food security and self-sufficiency, particularly through education and direct support to small-scale farmers, with a specific focus on developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. About Essam and May Allam Foundation: Founded in 2025 by the Essam Hassan Allam family to honor the legacy of a remarkable father and daughter, the Essam and May Allam Foundation (EMAF) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Egypt through evidence-based, high-impact initiatives in education and agriculture. By focusing on programs grounded in rigorous research and proven effectiveness, the Foundation ensures its efforts are scalable, sustainable, and positioned to deliver meaningful results. EMAF operates through two strategic pillars. The Essam Allam Agriculture Accelerator addresses key challenges in agricultural climate resilience, productivity, market access for smallholder farmers, and food security. The May Allam Knowledge Incubator works to improve early childhood and primary education, promote and preserve the Arabic language, conserve Middle Eastern arts and culture, and expand access to vocational training and scholarships. Through these pillars, EMAF serves as a catalyst for transformative change—bridging the gap between research and practice to drive inclusive development that empowers individuals, uplifts communities, and fosters long-term resilience across Egypt.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Sawiris Foundation signs an MoU with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation
Cairo, Egypt: To advance innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions that support smallholder farmers in Egypt—particularly in the governorates of Sohag and Minya—Sawiris Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to launch a joint pilot project aimed at achieving this important goal. With this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, Louis Dreyfus Foundation and The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development formalized their collaboration to tackle the significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers in rural Egypt, particularly focusing on climate vulnerability and limited credit and market access. The proposed solution is a comprehensive package of bundled agricultural services, centered around tailored credit products designed to incentivize the adoption of climate-smart inputs and practices. This approach aims to enhance farmers' resilience to climate change, leading to improved crop quality and yields. Marie-Hélène Loison, Deputy Director General of AFD, emphasized: 'AFD will provide a technical support from its Impact Evaluation Department and is proud to join forces with two major Egyptian foundations and Louis Dreyfus for its longstanding experience of projects promoting sustainable micro-farming and agricultural practices. Naguib Sawiris, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sawiris Foundation, said: "this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and empowering Egyptian communities. By joining forces with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and deliver innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions directly to small farmers in Sohag and Minya'. Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: ' this initiative is a testament to our belief in collective action to drive lasting change, providing tangible pathways to increased income and economic stability for those who need it most". Robert Serpollet, General Manager of Louis Dreyfus Foundation, said: 'Together, we will work towards the shared goal of uplifting agricultural communities. This joint effort and collaboration are essential for shaping more resilient communities and a more sustainable food system'. Hassan E. Allam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This partnership reaffirms our commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions, a vision championed by my late father and sister which we are keen to uphold. We are proud to work alongside our distinguished partners in delivering climate-smart agricultural solutions tailored to the needs of Egypt's smallholder farmers'. Amr E. Allam, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This project aims to improve productivity, raise incomes, and build climate resilience in Sohag and Minya—underscoring our mission to help uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty'. It is worth noting that the Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant step toward empowering smallholder farmers in Egypt through climate-smart, sustainable agriculture. By combining the strengths of all four partners, the initiative offers a scalable model to boost productivity, build climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in rural communities. Press contacts: For AFD: Zied Ounissi ounissiz@ / Kabil Zerouali zeroualik@ For the Sawiris Foundation: Mohamed Lotfy / mlotfy@ For LDF: Ekaterina Naymark / For Essam and May Allam Foundation: Hala Samy / About Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group has established itself as a key player in Franco-Egyptian cooperation, working since 2006 to support the country's economic, social and environmental transitions. In response to these challenges, AFD is stepping up its efforts and in 2022 revised its strategic intervention framework to support the country in the transitions underway and respond to Egypt's specific climate change adaptation needs, gender equality or training and employment. With a portfolio of €2.3 billion (November 2023), AFD is deploying a diversified range of instruments to support the Egyptian government in its development objectives, mainly in the sustainable infrastructure sectors (energy, transport, water and sanitation), climate finance, support for the private sector and entrepreneurship, and social sectors, including social protection. Today, 55 projects are underway, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflecting the priorities shared by Egypt and France. They are intended to support the integration of Egyptian financial, commercial and productive systems at the regional level; to support the development of green, inclusive and efficient infrastructure; and promote equitable and sustainable local territorial development. Learn more about the AFD Group's activity in Egypt About Sawiris Foundation: The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) is one of the first donor foundations in Egypt. Established in 2001 by the Sawiris family, SFSD philanthropically promotes and supports innovative solutions that target comprehensive and sustainable development in Egypt. Over the last 24 years, SFSD has addressed the most pressing issues facing marginalized Egyptians, such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to quality education, by funding the delivery of programs aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, in partnership with the governmental and private sectors as well as civil society. By creating thousands of job opportunities and providing quality education and access to basic services, we have impacted the lives of approximately 1 million Egyptians. Our funded programs cover 24 Egyptian governorates, focusing on the most remote villages. With increasing global and national challenges, Sawiris Foundation developed its strategic directions while finding the most cost-effective and impactful ways to support Egypt's marginalized families and those trying to further positive social change in Egypt. By following the philosophy of effective altruism and evidence-based practices, we have launched our 2023-2028 strategy to maximize our impact in reducing multidimensional poverty and empowering agents of change in Egypt. Learn more about Sawiris Foundation for Social Development About LDF: The Louis Dreyfus Foundation aims to promote projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food security and self-sufficiency, particularly through education and direct support to small-scale farmers, with a specific focus on developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about the Louis Dreyfus Foundation About Essam and May Allam Foundation: Founded in 2025 by the Essam Hassan Allam family to honor the legacy of a remarkable father and daughter, the Essam and May Allam Foundation (EMAF) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Egypt through evidence-based, high-impact initiatives in education and agriculture. By focusing on programs grounded in rigorous research and proven effectiveness, the Foundation ensures its efforts are scalable, sustainable, and positioned to deliver meaningful results. EMAF operates through two strategic pillars. The Essam Allam Agriculture Accelerator addresses key challenges in agricultural climate resilience, productivity, market access for smallholder farmers, and food security. The May Allam Knowledge Incubator works to improve early childhood and primary education, promote and preserve the Arabic language, conserve Middle Eastern arts and culture, and expand access to vocational training and scholarships. Through these pillars, EMAF serves as a catalyst for transformative change—bridging the gap between research and practice to drive inclusive development that empowers individuals, uplifts communities, and fosters long-term resilience across Egypt. Learn more about The Essam and May Allam Foundation
