Statement TRACE PADEO

Launch of the capitalization phase of the TRACE PADEO project in the governorates of Béja, Jendouba, Gabès and Kairouan

February 27th, 2026

The TRACE PADEO project, funded by the Government of the Netherlands through the World Bank and implemented by Microfinanza in collaboration with UTSS, announces the launch of the capitalization phase in four governorates of Tunisia—Béja, Jendouba, Gabès and Kairouan—territories where the TRACE programme was implemented during the 2021–2024 period.

This capitalization phase aims to enhance and consolidate a limited number of investments already undertaken in these areas, by supporting their potential to create additional jobs and by strengthening the results, lessons learned and good practices from the previous cycle.

How the process will unfold

The pathway includes a progressive selection process based on eligibility criteria and a structured preliminary assessment:

  1. Preliminary internal assessment
    Based on an internal assessment carried out by Microfinanza and UTSS, investments with potential eligibility for the capitalization phase will be identified. Key assessment criteria include: full completion of the investment plan financed during the TRACE 2021–2024 phase; formalization of jobs in line with the business plan; compliance with environmental and social recommendations; obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations (health, technical, environmental); and traceability of turnover/revenue.
  2. Invitation to further explore the opportunity
    Investments deemed potentially eligible—particularly in terms of new job-creation potential—will be invited by the TRACE PADEO team to further explore this opportunity, notably through a dedicated technical exchange.
  3. Support to investments meeting the conditions
    Only investments that meet the required criteria will be supported by the TRACE PADEO team in the subsequent steps, which will take place over a limited period.

TRACE PADEO aims to ensure a transparent process aligned with the project’s objectives, ensuring that capitalization focuses on investments with high impact on employment and the economy, while also generating a positive environmental impact.

For additional information on the process and next steps, further communications will be published through the programme’s official channels.

The TRACE PADEO project, funded by the Government of the Netherlands through the World Bank and implemented by Microfinanza in collaboration with UTSS, supports rural entrepreneurs in Tunisia in developing sustainable, job-creating agricultural investments, through tailored technical and financial assistance that fosters local development and decent employment.

 

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