Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) appear highly eager to explore investment opportunities in each other’s markets and strengthen public and private sector dialogue.
The International Food Show Africa (IFSA Africa) served as a platform to reaffirm this commitment during the UAE-Tunisia Agriculture and Food Forum, organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism in coordination with the UAE Embassy in Tunisia.
The forum specifically aimed to *”enhance economic partnerships in food production, supply chains, and technologies related to the food value chain.”*
UAE Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri reiterated this vision before an audience of public and private sector representatives from both countries, alongside international organizations and startups specializing in agriculture and food security, including Al Islami Foods, Iveco, and Emirates Bio Farm.
Quoted by ZAWYA, he highlighted the vast potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Tunisia in food, agriculture, and food security sectors. He noted that these sectors are fundamental to both nations’ efforts to achieve sustainable food security and boost local production.
This reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing economic cooperation with Tunisia by developing strategic partnerships in food manufacturing, modern agricultural technologies, and information and communication technology (ICT).
He called for exploring new opportunities and partnerships by exchanging expertise in food value chain development and creating sustainable solutions for food security.
“This forum also serves as an ideal platform to showcase the UAE’s achievements in the food sector and highlight its pioneering capabilities in food production, advanced agricultural technologies, and sustainable food security initiatives,”he added.
Al Marri further stated: “The UAE is moving toward an economic clustering model in key sectors, aligned with its future economic vision. At the forefront of this strategy is the food economic hub, which integrates agricultural production, food industries, and cutting-edge agri-tech into a cohesive and collaborative system. This synergy enhances competitiveness and empowers private sector businesses operating in food and related industries.”*
Organic Food in the Spotlight
For her part, Iman Ahmed Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, emphasized the strong bilateral ties and the pivotal role of the food industry in advancing the UAE’s food security strategy and agri-tech vision.
She noted that UAE companies are regional pioneers in this sector and stressed the forum’s importance in fostering partnerships between the UAE, Tunisia, and key economic stakeholders.
She also highlighted promising opportunities in organic food production, which could further enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
UAE’s Growing Food Sector
It is worth noting that the UAE’s food sector has seen significant growth, with its contribution to non-oil GDP expected to reach 11% in 2024, up from 10% in 2023.
This expansion is driven by advancements in food manufacturing, investments in agri-tech, and increased local production. Projections suggest that the broader food system—encompassing production, processing, distribution, retail, hospitality, and logistics—will generate between $38.3 billion and $40 billion in 2024.
Additionally, the food and beverage manufacturing sector is set to sustain this growth, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1% until 2028.
The forum featured dedicated sessions and B2B meetings where companies from both markets presented opportunities in smart agriculture, food processing, packaging technologies, and food logistics.
Participants explored ways to enhance cooperation in agricultural research and food innovation while examining investment potential in emerging technologies such as alternative proteins, vertical farming, and smart supply chain solutions.
