The Tunisian government has taken a key step in its economic diversification strategy. At the Tunisian-Niger Business Forum held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Minister of Trade, Samir Abid, officially launched a land trade corridor project. Developed in partnership with Libya, this corridor aims to facilitate the flow of goods to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad.

A lever for intra-African trade

Currently, the volume of Tunisian exports to sub-Saharan Africa remains modest, amounting to approximately 2 billion dinars (600 million euros) for the year 2024. For Djimadoum Mandekor, economist and former official at the African Union, this initiative is essential:

1. Objective: To stimulate trade on a continent that still only represents 3% of world trade .
2. Means: Create logistical infrastructures to physically connect the markets of North and South Sahara.

A marked geopolitical shift

This project is not limited to logistics; it signals a diplomatic repositioning. By turning more towards its African neighbors, Tunisia seems to be distancing itself from Europe, its historical partner.

According to Franco-Tunisian expert Majid Bouden, this choice is tinged with ideology:

1. Failure of the UMA: The project favours a limited focus, neglecting cooperation with Morocco within the Arab Maghreb Union.
2. Tensions with the EU: This corridor reflects a political will to break free from European dependence.

Significant diplomatic challenges

Despite the economic ambitions, the success of this corridor will depend on Tunis's ability to restore its image on the continent. Experts highlight two major obstacles:

1. Crisis of confidence: Tunisia's recent migration policies have strained relations with several sub-Saharan capitals.
2. Regional stability: Crossing Libyan territory and Sahelian zones remains a permanent security and logistical challenge.

The challenge: To transform a proactive political discourse into a concrete economic reality, while easing regional diplomatic tensions.