As in most previous editions of the Davos Economic Forum, Tunisia is taking part in the 2026 gathering, the 56th edition, through its Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh.
Held under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” the forum brought together representatives from 130 countries, including several heads of state and government, ministers, leaders of international organizations, executives of major global companies, businesspeople, experts and academics. It provides an opportunity to examine a range of issues related to the future of the global economy.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Economy, discussions also focused on current challenges, climate change, sustainable finance, the promotion of innovation and the role of artificial intelligence as a driver of economic development.
On this occasion, the Minister of Economy took part in several seminars and dialogue sessions, notably on prospects for the global economy in 2026 and the role of digital trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in accelerating digital transformation across the continent.
Discussions also addressed measures needed to boost investment in digital connectivity in Africa, as well as ways to strengthen the foundations of the current economic transformation and work toward inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Tunisian minister’s participation in the forum also included a series of bilateral meetings with officials from several international organizations, notably UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, focusing on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and benefit from the organization’s technical assistance.
This also includes support for organizing regional forums and training sessions at the Tunis Center for Training and Documentation on Competition Law and Policy.
UNCTAD Secretary-General to visit Tunisia
The UNCTAD Secretary-General highlighted the strong cooperative relations with Tunisia and expressed her willingness to further strengthen them, while supporting the organization of forums and training sessions in Tunisia and potentially contributing to the development of legal texts related to investment. She also expressed her intention to visit Tunisia soon, according to the Ministry of Economy.
The minister also met with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Alvaro Lario, underscoring the quality of relations between Tunisia and the Fund, established in 1977, and stressing the need to further enhance them through the implementation of new projects in agricultural and rural development.
In the same context, Abdelhafidh called on the Fund to work toward setting up joint investments to finance several development projects in Tunisia, according to the same source.
During his meeting with Matteo Patrone, Vice President, Banking, at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the latter renewed the Bank’s commitment to continue supporting development projects in Tunisia and expressed its willingness to expand areas of cooperation in line with Tunisia’s national priorities and the objectives of the 2026–2030 development plan, indicating his intention to visit Tunisia in the second half of this year.
The minister also held a meeting with the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Abdullah Al-Musaibeeh, during which both sides praised the Bank’s efforts to finance economic and social projects and programs in sub-Saharan African countries.
