Tunisia-Nigeria: Drivers of unprecedented economic and trade cooperation

African Manager

05-02-2025

Tunisian businessmen appear to have made an irreversible resolution to establish a strong presence in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
In a bid to foster economic growth and regional development, the government of Kano State has pledged to strengthen bilateral relations with Tunisia.
This announcement was made during a high-level meeting between Kano State officials and a Tunisian delegation led by the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria.
The meeting, held at the Kano State Government headquarters, focused on exploring areas of mutual economic interest, including agriculture, education, technology, and trade, as reported by Naija247news. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized the need for collaboration to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for both regions.
The Kano State government expressed its commitment to leveraging Tunisia's expertise in agricultural innovation and renewable energy. 'Tunisia has made significant strides in sustainable agriculture and solar energy, and we believe this partnership will greatly benefit our farmers and industries,' stated Governor Yusuf.
The Tunisian delegation expressed enthusiasm about the potential for cooperation, particularly in vocational training and youth empowerment. Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohsen Antit, noted that the partnership could serve as a model for South-North cooperation. 'We are eager to share our knowledge and resources to help Kano State achieve its development goals,' he said.
Discussions also centered on establishing a joint trade commission to facilitate business interactions between Kano and Tunisian companies. The commission will focus on reducing trade barriers, improving logistics, and promoting investment opportunities in both regions, according to the same source.
Furthermore, the Kano State government announced plans to send a delegation to Tunisia in the coming months to strengthen the partnership. The delegation is expected to include representatives from Kano's agriculture, education, and commerce sectors.
This initiative aligns with Kano State's broader strategy to position itself as a hub for international trade and investment in northern Nigeria. Analysts believe that strengthening ties with Tunisia could attract more foreign investors to the region, boosting job creation and economic stability.
Kano: The Gateway to West Africa
As the partnership takes shape, stakeholders in Kano and Tunisia remain optimistic about the potential for transformative growth. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting intercontinental economic ties and addressing the pressing needs of both regions.
With the groundwork now laid, all eyes are on the next steps as Kano State and Tunisia work to turn their shared vision into reality.
Notably, participants explored the possibility of establishing a commodities exchange in Kano to stabilize market prices and improve access to international markets.
The Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry highlighted the importance of diversifying trade partnerships and invited investors to consider Kano's vast commercial potential. He emphasized the need to improve packaging and export standards to enable local products such as gurasa (a traditional snack) and kilishi (dried meat) to reach global markets.
The Chairman of the Kano State Council of Traders and Entrepreneurs (KASCOTE) expressed optimism about the meeting's impact. He noted that previous engagements with Tunisia had already led to trade missions and knowledge exchange programs in health, education, and food production.
'Kano, with its population of 25 million, is the gateway to West Africa. We are committed to fostering partnerships that will boost trade, create jobs, and attract investments,' he affirmed.