Tunisia Startup Ecosystem in 2025: A Year of Resilience and Transformation

Posted On 29 January, 2025

Tunisia, often regarded as the "startup gateway to Africa and the Mediterranean," has emerged as a dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in North Africa. Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, Tunisia’s startup ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable resilience, fueled by its skilled workforce, strategic location, and government-backed initiatives. Over the years, the country has cultivated a thriving entrepreneurial culture, with significant progress in key sectors like fintech, agritech, healthtech, and renewable energy. In 2024, Tunisia achieved milestones in digital transformation, international collaborations, and funding, setting the stage for 2025 to be a transformative year. As the ecosystem grows, Tunisia is positioning itself as a leading innovation hub in the region.

Record-Breaking Funding in 2024

Tunisian startups raised $400 million in 2024, a 60% increase from the previous year. Tunis, the capital city, remained the heart of entrepreneurial activity, while cities like Sfax, Sousse, and Monastir emerged as growing hubs for agritech, healthtech, and green tech.

Early-stage investments saw a surge, with a 70% increase, driven by investor confidence in Tunisia’s rapidly developing innovation ecosystem. Notable funding rounds included $80 million for a fintech company focusing on digital payments, $60 million for an agritech startup utilizing AI for smart farming, and $50 million for a green tech firm specializing in renewable energy solutions.

Government programs such as the Startup Act, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) Startup Fund, and international partnerships with the European Union (EU) and African Development Bank (AfDB) have played a pivotal role in fostering this growth.

Fintech: Driving Financial Inclusion and Innovation

Fintech has become a key pillar of Tunisia’s startup ecosystem, raising $150 million in 2024. With a significant portion of the population unbanked, fintech startups are addressing critical gaps through digital wallets, payment solutions, and SME financing platforms.

Leading players like Dabchy Pay, a payment gateway for e-commerce, and Expensya, specializing in expense management solutions, expanded their market presence. Emerging startups like E-Dinar, a mobile wallet for underbanked communities, and Moneti, focusing on microloans for small businesses, gained traction. Regulatory support from the Central Bank of Tunisia and initiatives under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy have created a favorable environment for fintech innovation.

Agritech: Modernizing Agriculture with Technology

Agritech startups raised $80 million in 2024, leveraging technology to tackle challenges in food security, water management, and sustainable farming. Agriculture, which employs nearly 16% of Tunisia’s workforce, remains a vital sector for technological advancement.

Notable companies like FarmConnect, a digital platform connecting farmers with buyers, and AgriTech Tunisia, offering IoT-based solutions for smart irrigation, are leading the way. Startups like GreenGrow Tunisia, focusing on organic farming, and CropLink, providing data-driven insights for crop management, are addressing critical industry needs. Government initiatives under the Agricultural Transformation Plan 2030 have further accelerated growth in this sector.

Green Tech: Advancing Sustainability Goals

Green tech startups raised $70 million in 2024, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and waste management. Tunisia’s abundant solar and wind resources provide a strong foundation for green tech innovation.

Key players like TunisSolar, specializing in solar energy projects, and GreenCycle, focusing on waste-to-energy solutions, are driving the sector. Emerging startups like EcoMaterials Tunisia, producing eco-friendly construction materials, and CleanPower, developing microgrid solutions for rural areas, are gaining recognition. Government policies under the National Renewable Energy Action Plan have fostered the growth of green tech.

Healthtech: Expanding Access to Healthcare

Healthtech startups in Tunisia raised $50 million in 2024, focusing on telemedicine, digital health platforms, and AI-powered diagnostics. With healthcare accessibility challenges in rural areas, healthtech innovation is addressing critical gaps.

Startups like MedTunisia, a telemedicine platform, and CareLink, providing digital health records, are transforming healthcare delivery. Companies like PharmaTrack, specializing in online pharmacies, and AI-Med Tunisia, focusing on diagnostics, are gaining traction. Investments under the National Health Strategy 2030 and government incentives for digital health solutions have bolstered this sector.

E-Commerce and Logistics: Scaling Local and Regional Markets

E-commerce and logistics startups raised $40 million in 2024, driven by increasing internet penetration and a growing middle class.

Companies like Jumia Tunisia, a leading e-commerce platform, and EazyDelivery, a logistics and fulfillment service, continued to dominate the market. Emerging startups like ShopTunisia, focusing on local crafts, and LastMile Tunisia, addressing rural delivery challenges, are gaining momentum. Investments under the Digital Tunisia Strategy have enabled rapid scaling of e-commerce and logistics services.

Tourism Tech: Revitalizing a Critical Sector

Tourism tech startups raised $30 million in 2024, leveraging digital platforms to enhance traveler experiences and promote Tunisia’s cultural and historical assets.

Companies like Explore Tunisia, a travel planning app, and Heritage Connect, focusing on AR/VR experiences for historical sites, are redefining tourism. Startups like EcoTour Tunisia, promoting eco-tourism, and LocalLink, connecting tourists with local artisans, are addressing niche markets. Government initiatives under the Tourism Recovery Strategy 2025 have supported the sector’s growth.

Digital Infrastructure and Smart Cities

Tunisia achieved significant progress in digital infrastructure in 2024, including expanded broadband access and the deployment of 5G networks. These developments have enabled startups to innovate in IoT, cloud computing, and smart city solutions.

Tunis and Sousse are implementing smart city initiatives focusing on renewable energy integration, AI-driven traffic management, and digital public services. Programs like Smart Tunisia 2025 have positioned the country as a leader in digital transformation in North Africa.

Global Collaborations and Market Expansion

Tunisian startups increasingly entered international markets in 2024, with over 40 companies establishing a presence in Europe, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa. Initiatives like the Startup Tunisia Global Program and partnerships with accelerators such as Flat6Labs and Seedstars have facilitated cross-border collaborations.

Tunisia’s strategic location and growing reputation for innovation have made it an attractive destination for international investors and a gateway to African markets.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Strengthening the Ecosystem

M&A activity in Tunisia reached new heights in 2024, with 15 deals valued at $60 million. Startups in fintech, green tech, and healthtech were the primary targets for acquisitions by regional and global corporations.

A notable deal included the acquisition of a Tunisian agritech startup by a European agri-business firm, highlighting the ecosystem’s growing global relevance.

Employment and Talent Development

Tunisian startups created over 12,000 new jobs in 2024, with strong demand for professionals in fintech, AI, and agritech. Collaborations between startups and universities, along with government programs like the Skill Tunisia Initiative, have ensured a steady pipeline of skilled talent.

Investments in STEM education and digital upskilling have empowered local professionals and attracted international talent to the ecosystem.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its progress, Tunisia’s startup ecosystem faces challenges such as regulatory complexities, limited late-stage funding, and infrastructure gaps in rural areas. However, opportunities lie in leveraging its skilled workforce, strategic location, and growing digital economy. Emerging sectors like green tech, agritech, and healthtech are poised to drive the next wave of growth.

The government’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and regional integration will be critical in addressing these challenges and sustaining momentum in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Tunisia’s startup ecosystem advances into 2025, it is poised for continued growth and global recognition. Key focus areas include scaling fintech and green tech solutions, advancing agritech technologies, and fostering deeper international collaborations.

With its strong commitment to digital transformation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, Tunisia is well-positioned to become a leader in North Africa’s innovation economy and make a lasting global impact.

The Tunisian startup ecosystem in 2025 exemplifies resilience, creativity, and transformation. By leveraging its strengths in technology, sustainability, and international collaboration, Tunisia is shaping its future as a leader in the global innovation landscape. Startups in the country are not only addressing local challenges but are also paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for North Africa and beyond.