Tunisia shifts auto industry toward high-value manufacturing

Tunisia's automotive industry has emerged as one of the country's strongest export sectors.

The industry generates about $4.3 billion in annual exports, employs more than 120,000 people, and comprises over 300 companies integrated into European and global supply chains.

"This data confirms that the industry is an economic powerhouse, but our future now lies in high-value industrial integration. Moving forward, our focus is not just on increasing production volume, but on creating greater value," said Dhafer Sghiri, vice president of Tunisia's Parliamentary Finance Committee.

Tunisia's ambitions now extend beyond manufacturing individual components. As electric vehicles reshape the global automotive industry, policymakers such as Mohamed Ali see an opportunity for the country to become a regional production hub serving both European and African markets.

"Today, the goal goes beyond manufacturing spare parts to producing a fully Tunisian-made car on Tunisian soil. With Africa's market growing rapidly, Tunisia is positioning itself as a regional platform for vehicle manufacturing, particularly electric vehicles, which are driving the global transformation of the transport sector," Ali said.

Industry leaders say Tunisia's next priority is to develop the entire electric mobility ecosystem, from component manufacturing and charging infrastructure to skills development and innovation.

"We must also invest across the entire electric mobility ecosystem. That is essential to transforming Tunisia's automotive industry, ensuring local companies remain competitive, and attracting a new wave of foreign investment," said Myriam Elloumi, president of the Tunisian Automotive Association.

More than 3,000 professionals have received specialized training in the automotive sector to meet growing demand for advanced manufacturing expertise.