Microfinanza & Value Development organise a Think-tank on financial innovation in Tunis
Local Development and Sustainable Ecosystems: Innovating Approaches and Financing Instruments for Tunisia’s Future
Tunis, February 27, 2025
Faced with the economic, social, and climate challenges Tunisia is going through, innovation in financing models and local development approaches has become a priority. In this perspective, Microfinanza and Value Development organized a strategic workshop titled “Local development and sustainable ecosystems: Innovating approaches and financing instruments for Tunisia’s future”, which took place on February 27, 2025, at the Occidental Lac Tunis.
This event aimed to build on existing experiences, identify best practices, and explore innovative solutions to meet the needs of Tunisia’s regions. By bringing together funding agencies and development partners (World Bank, EU Delegation, AICS, GIZ, UN, UNIDO, UNDP, KFW, FAO, Swiss Contact), public and private financial inclusion structures (ACM, BFPME, Orange), as well as international institutions and support organizations (Embassy of the Netherlands, UTSS, ADEME, Forvis Mazars, Italo-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the workshop fostered dialogue and reflection on co-creating local development initiatives with an impact-driven approach.
A Think Tank for Concrete Solutions
The discussions focused on key themes such as:
- Financial innovation for local development: financial inclusion, regional impact funds, access to markets and financial services for local entrepreneurs.
- Social innovation to strengthen territorial ecosystems: structuring agricultural value chains, social entrepreneurship, ecological transition, and climate change adaptation.
- Strategic production sectors in Tunisia and the national and international partners that can support their growth.
- Financing infrastructure and services: modernization of investment tools, strengthening of local financial institutions, regulatory framework, and public-private investment opportunities.
- The strategic role of public-private partnerships in ensuring the stability and sustainability of local development initiatives.
- The importance of social capital: strengthening ties between local actors, community involvement, and fostering a climate of trust are essential to guarantee the success of development initiatives.
Why This Meeting?
With an economy marked by strong entrepreneurial potential and the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Tunisia stands at a strategic turning point. A more inclusive and sustainable approach to local development is now essential, in line with Tunisia Vision 2035.
Building on the numerous initiatives implemented over the past decade and presented at this event, this think tank aims to lay the foundation for a collective and innovative approach. The objective is to develop concrete proposals for a more balanced and efficient regional development model, capable of addressing the real needs of Tunisia’s local communities.
Organizers and Moderators
The event was designed and moderated by representatives of the organizing institutions:
- Microfinanza: Giampietro Pizzo, Katia Raguzzoni, Atef Hermessi and Fabio Malanchini
- Value Development: Marouane Chikhaoui and Mohamed Madhkour
With over 24 years of expertise, Microfinanza is a key player in financial inclusion and access to financing. The company has carried out numerous projects worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, the MENA region, and Europe.
By collaborating with more than 100 international organizations, Microfinanza continues to promote sustainable and inclusive financial solutions on a global scale.
Founded in 2014, Value Development is a consulting firm specializing in technical assistance and development consulting. Driven by a commitment to sustainable development, it brings added value to inclusive socio-economic programs and the promotion of equality.
Its journey is marked by innovation and a constant pursuit of excellence, actively contributing to socio-economic progress.
