The 6th International Conference on Financing Investment & Trade in Africa (FITA2023) kicked off works on Wednesday in Tunis, at the initiative of the Tunisia- Africa Business Council (TABC).

The two-day event organized under the theme: "Africa in the midst of a global crisis and the role of the private sector in sustainable and inclusive economic transformation," is intended to "convey the message that Tunisia is not a racist country and that all Africans are welcome under the law," said TABC President Anis Jaziri at the opening of the conference.

Reassuring messages will be conveyed to African and international delegations to restore Tunisia's image in Africa and the world, he added.

Some 750 foreign businessmen, most of them from African countries, and 70 exhibitors are taking part in this year's event, which includes more than 2,000 B2B meetings to encourage exports and identify niches for Tunisian companies in Africa.

Agreements will also be signed, which are likely to help Tunisian businessmen embark on projects in Africa, in addition to the planned conclusion of an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), said Jaziri.

"Despite the problems and challenges, some 160 Tunisian companies are currently established in the Ivory Coast and more than 30 companies in Dakar, Senegal, as well as others in Cameroon and Congo," he pointed out.

According to the conference organizers, the 6th edition of FITA is taking place this year in a difficult global economic climate, characterized by financial crises in several countries, particularly in Africa.

Discussions at the conference will focus on strategic issues in the African economy, including energy, climate and sustainable development, digital transformation, infrastructure, water and food security.