Tunisia, Islamic Development Bank outline steel plant partnership 

Strategic sectors and private sector support to anchor future cooperation

TUNIS, Tunisia (MNTV) – Tunisia is working with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to establish a new partnership framework for the period 2026–2028, with a focus on strategic sectors and boosting private sector engagement.

The initiative was the central topic of a meeting held Thursday at the ministry’s headquarters in Tunis, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy. 

Minister of Industry Fatma Thabet Chiboub met with an IsDB delegation led by Ahmed Boubaker, director of the bank’s Regional Center in Rabat.

In a statement, the ministry confirmed that the forthcoming cooperation will prioritize key sectors and aim to strengthen Tunisia’s industrial landscape through targeted support for private enterprises.

Among the major projects discussed was the development of a new steel production plant by the Tunisian Steel Company, El Fouladh. 

Estimated at $70 million, the facility is expected to produce up to 300,000 tons of steel annually, representing a significant investment in the country’s industrial capacity.

The IsDB delegation emphasized the significance of their visit to Tunisia, which runs from April 9 to 12. 

The visit is part of ongoing efforts to enhance dialogue and align future development priorities between the two partners.

Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Development Bank is a prominent multilateral development institution with 57 member countries spanning four continents. 

Tunisia ranks as the second-largest regional beneficiary of IsDB-supported projects between 2010 and 2024.