At the opening of the 5th edition of the International Conference "Financing Investment and Trade in Africa" (FITA 2022), held in Tunis today Wednesday, May 25, 2022, The Head of the Tunisian Government, Mrs. Najla Bouden pointed out that the African continent is facing several challenges, namely poor infrastructure and the need to find solutions to ensure water, food, energy and environmental security.

"We have big ambitions for Africa. We work on promoting education, scientific research and digital economy," she said, adding that green economy and investment in renewable energy as well as boosting investment are strategic choices that will help to fight climate change and mitigate its impact on the African continent.

"Tunisia is getting ready to host large-scale events including the 20th Tunisia Investment Forum (FIPA / June 2022), the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8) (August 2022), the Summit of La Francophonie (November 2022). We are making a significant progress in terms of preparations and we are noticing a strong willingness from stakeholders to participate in these major events," she highlighted.

"The FITA represents a major opportunity for businesses and economic stakeholders to discuss funding mechanisms with international financial bodies. This will help revive the African economy," Bouden affirmed, adding that "we are seeking to build stronger partnerships between African countries."

These big events will also help consolidate triangular relations between Japan, Tunisia and Africa, Europe, Tunisia and Africa, Korea, Tunisia and Africa, which will allow economic stakeholders to learn more about the Tunisian expertise and the country’s key role in fostering these partnerships, Bouden asserted.

She said "Tunisia is a major destination for investment thanks to its strategic location and its significant role in building international partnerships and running projects in Africa."

Bouden also pointed out that Tunisia is seeking to strengthen the South/South partnership so as to achieve sustainable development and social peace in Africa. Africa's trade represents only 2% of the overall global trade, knowing that its population represents nearly 17% of the world's population, she recalled.

“Inter-African trade accounts for only 17%, compared to 59% in Asia and 68% in Europe,” she noted.

Over 3,500 people from 45 countries will take part in FITA 2022 held by the Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC), on the Africa Day

The two-day event is attended by African ministers, presidents of organizations as well as representatives of international financial bodies.