pality on Wednesday launched a hackathon aimed at designing sustainable and innovative solutions to combat food waste in urban environments.
This competition, targeting young people, is part of an awareness campaign addressing food waste and its significant economic and environmental consequences. It is organized in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the municipality called on young people aged 18 to 35 to participate in this hackathon, themed the “Zero Gachi Challenge,” by submitting individual or group projects in four key areas: prevention, reduction, and management of food loss and waste, valorization of unsold food and optimization of distribution channels, donation platforms and smart logistics and cmposting and organic waste management
Selected candidates will benefit from a capacity-building program, including hands-on workshops focused on business modeling, business plan development, pitching techniques, circular economy principles, and organic waste management.
This support aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to refine their projects ahead of the final competition on June 30, 2025. The deadline for submissions is June 8.
The Tunis Municipality has been implementing a food waste reduction and consumption rationalization program in partnership with the FAO and the National Consumer Institute.
An unenviable position
However, Tunisia holds an unenviable position: it leads Arab countries and surpasses its Maghreb neighbors in food waste.
The annual household waste per capita is 172 kg of food and total national food waste has reached 12,000 tons.
Experts suggest that consumers can reduce waste by purchasing only necessary quantities and improving food storage to prevent spoilage. Businesses, meanwhile, can donate surplus food to charities and social organizations while adopting better refrigeration and storage techniques to extend food shelf life.
113,000 tons of bread tossed annually
Food waste, particularly bread waste, is a major concern in Tunisia, especially during Ramadan.
According to Chakib Ben Rajab, Director of the National Consumer Institute, annual bread waste amounts to 113,000 tons (42 kg per household)
With Ramadan spike, 46% of purchased bread ends up in the trash
Its economic cost is ~105 million dinars (~$35 million) per year
Authorities have raised concerns over this waste, particularly as Tunisia faces economic challenges, grain shortages, and rising wheat import costs amid climate change impacts on local production.
