Blog Tunis hosts the consultation workshop on strengthening Tunisia’s innovation ecosystem for climate-resilient agriculture
On 20 May 2025, over 100 industry experts gathered at the Hotel Golden Carthage Gammarth for the Consultation Workshop: Strengthening Tunisia's Innovation Ecosystem for Climate-resilient Agriculture. This event showcased the pivotal role of research, technology, and entrepreneurship in driving sustainable and resilient agriculture in Tunisia.
Co-organized by CGIAR Centers – the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) together with the Institution for Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA), and Tunisia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, the workshop convened national and international stakeholders–including Government officials, researchers, agribusinesses, innovation support organizations, startups, investors, and farmers–in a participatory forum to assess the demand for agri-tech solutions and collectively prioritize Tunisia’s agricultural innovation needs.
Watch the highlights video in French
Opening remarks were delivered by Zohra Lili Chabaane, President of the Institution for Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA) and Azaiez Ouled Belgacem, Tunisia Country Coordinator at the International Center of Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA).
To set the scene, Yosr Sbais (University of Carthage) presented the University’s contributions of agricultural innovation through research and case studies. Takoua Mrabet (BUSINESSMED Tunisia) shared regional initiatives promoting entrepreneurship, inclusive trade, and access to finance—emphasizing recommendations to foster Trade, Investment and Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean region. Elise Sfeir (Berytech) discussed ecosystem-building and startup acceleration in agri-tech, while Mohamed Wageih (PRIMA) focused on cross-Mediterranean research and innovation (R&I) efforts involving startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Following these presentations, Aymen Frija, Principal Researcher and Agricultural Economist at ICARDA moderated a multidisciplinary panel discussion addressing the challenges, enablers, and strategic policy frameworks required to accelerate climate-resilient agriculture. Speakers included:
- Luca Bernasconi, Deputy Coordinator for the Rural Development Sector – The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Tunis Office
- Guido D’Urso, Full Professor of Agricultural Hydraulics Department of Agricultural Sciences – University of Naples Federico II – Fondazione Agritech
- Ameni Sabri, Programs Manager – Impact Partner
- Maha Khannoussi, Senior Programs Manager – Flat6Labs Tunisia
- Taher Mestiri, Co-Founder – SEABEX.
Tunisia’s recent commitment to agricultural modernization was a recurring theme, with a strong focus on smart and digital technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience—while creating a new generation of specialized agri-tech startups to position agriculture as a strategic growth sector. In 2024, agritech startups in Tunisia attracted approximately 20% of total startup funding, amounting to US $80 million out of US $400 million invested across sectors. Panelists emphasized opportunities for the sector, such as the rising demand for innovative tools (i.e., precision irrigation and remote sensing), scaling cost-effective local solutions for smallholder farmers, and leveraging international programs supporting agroecological transitions. They also highlighted emerging ESG-aligned investment models, support for green startups across the MENA region, and the critical need for inclusive public-private partnerships to drive systemic innovation.
In a Fireside chat, Cyrine Ben Khamlia, Head of Department in charge of Startup Monitoring at the Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Investments (APIA) outlined the agency’s strategic role in mobilizing investment, offering grants, and scaling innovation for Tunisian startups.
High-level Remarks
His Excellency Mr. Habaieb Hamadi, Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, in charge of Water Resources delivered a keynote. He highlighted the importance of empowering community farmer leaders as ambassadors of new technologies to effectively disseminate and promote adoption on the ground, and connecting existing technologies with institutional assets for greater impact.
In the afternoon segment, participants joined focus group discussions exploring user-centered solutions that respond to market demands and local needs, scaling startups through public-private partnerships, and shaping policies to support business growth and access to finance.
Watch the event recording in French
Coming up next
The workshop concluded with a clear roadmap centered on 4 strategic priorities: enabling international collaboration for technology transfer and market-aligned policies, strengthening inclusive public-private partnerships to bring research to market, expanding investment and tailored support for rural-based agri-tech startups, and advancing smart, integrated systems for efficient water management.
These insights will directly inform the design of the AgriTech4Tunisia Innovation Challenge—a one-year pilot project to support national and international innovators in testing and deploying context specific, tech-driven solutions tailored to the needs of Tunisian agriculture. Up to 25 startups will be selected to participate in a fully funded intensive bootcamp, from which 15 will advance to a comprehensive accelerator program offering business mentorship, market access, technical assistance product validation, and pilot testing with end-users, helping startups build sustainable, investor-ready business models.
Applications open in September 2025
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Consultation Workshop: Strengthening Tunisia’s Innovation Ecosystem for a Climate-Resilient Agriculture
