During EXPRESS FM 's Special Automotive Day , the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) organized a panel discussion dedicated to sustainability and the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) approach . This program brought together Béchir DARDOUR (TAA) , Rahma HIZEM (GIZ) , and Khouloud TURKI (TAA) for a discussion on sustainability challenges in the Tunisian automotive industry.

The speakers emphasized the strategic importance of integrating ESG into business models to ensure competitiveness and compliance with international standards. They also presented the ESG framework developed by the TAA , designed to support companies in the automotive sector in their sustainable transition.

Through this initiative, TAA confirms its leading role in the responsible transformation of the Tunisian automotive sector , by supporting concrete actions in environmental, social and governance responsibility .
The objective: to position Tunisia as a sustainable, innovative automotive hub aligned with international industry requirements.

As part of Mobility Day , the Expresso program hosted by Wassim Ben Larbi on EXPRESS FM brought together Fatma Kolsi , Director General of the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) , and Felix Sarrazin , representative of GIZ Tunisia . Together, they discussed the growing dynamism of the automotive sector in Tunisia and the structuring role of the TAA in the development of sustainable mobility.

The discussions highlighted several key points:

• High-impact projects : TAA acts as an engine for employment , innovation and international cooperation , supporting the transformation of the Tunisian automotive sector.

• Strategic partnerships : in collaboration with GIZ , clusters and foreign associations , TAA strengthens value chains and accelerates the upskilling of industrial players.

• A clear and ambitious vision : to position Tunisia as a regional automotive hub , at the crossroads of industrial know-how and advanced technology , serving more sustainable mobility .

Through its initiatives , sectoral events and training activities , the Tunisian Automotive Association continues to connect key players in the automotive industry and promote a competitive, innovative and sustainable Tunisia .

The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) was pleased to welcome Mr Junbao Dong , CEO of Jetty Automotive Technology , accompanied by Mr Sofien Naffati and Ms Thouraya Hamad , for an enriching exchange about the activities of the TAA and its Tunisian Automotive Management Academy (TAMA) .

This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss collaboration opportunities to support future development projects in the Tunisian automotive sector.

Jetty Automotive Technology , the first Chinese company specializing in automotive wiring, located in Borj Cédria , aims to reach a production of 5,000 wirings per day by the end of the year, thus marking a key step for industrial development and innovation in Tunisia .

Thanks to this partnership and its exchanges with TAA, Jetty Automotive is strengthening its role in the growth of the Tunisian automotive ecosystem and contributing to the international influence of the sector.

The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) was pleased to welcome Dr. Karen Ittenbach , Tunisia representative of the Special Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) , to its offices for an in-depth exchange on the association's activities and strategic outlook.

Also present were:

• Mr. Jan Freab , coordinator of projects for the GIZ Special Initiative

• Mr. Simon Welte-Feddersen , component leader of the GIZ digital project

• Mr. Felix Sarrazin , Project Manager, Partnerships for Employment and Support for SMEs in Tunisia II

• Mr. Eike Hellen Feddersen , Project Manager Business Hub GIZ

• Mr. Akrem Saadaoui , North Africa Project Manager – AAAM

• Mr. Ibrahim Debache , Vice-President of the German-Tunisian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and automotive expert

In the presence of Mr. Nabhen Bouchaala , Honorary President, Ms. Fatma Kolsi , General Manager, and Ms. Lamia Gharbi , Director of Communications, TAA presented:

• The role of the Tunisian Automotive Management Academy (TAMA) in training and developing industrial skills

• Coordination with the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the AAAM – African Association of Automotive Manufacturers to promote regional cooperation

• Its strategic focus on innovation and the industrialization of the African continent

This meeting also allowed GIZ Tunisia to present its flagship projects, illustrating a common vision : strengthening synergies between initiatives to support the sustainable growth of the Tunisian and African automotive sector .

Together, TAA and GIZ Tunisia continue their commitment to:

• Skills development

• Industrial innovation

• The competitiveness of the Tunisian automotive sector , serving an industry geared towards the future and open to the African continent

The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) held its 9th Ordinary General Assembly (OGA) under the chairmanship of Myriam Elloumi (Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer – COFICAB Group), in the presence of the members of the Steering Committee :

• Imed Charfeddine (PEC Group)

• Lamia Fourati (OneTech Group)

• Dr. Wissem Badri (Kromberg & Schubert)

• Sabri Brahem (DRÄXLMAIER Group)

• Chekib Debbabi (TPS)

• Riadh Ben Ayed (LTM)

• Walid Rouis (ACTIA Group)

• Béchir Dardour (APEM)

• Jemli Issam (Bontaz Tunisia)

• Safouane Hakiri (Yazaki Corporation)

Also present were Nabhen Bouchaala , Honorary President (CAVEO AUTOMOTIVE TUNISIA SA), as well as several industry experts and partners.

An ambitious vision for the Tunisian automotive industry

The meeting reaffirmed TAA's ambition : to position Tunisia as a leading technological and industrial platform in a rapidly transforming global automotive sector.

In an interview with EXPRESS FM , Fatma Kolsi , Director General of TAA, stated:

“The General Assembly is a prime opportunity to meet our members and present our achievements. Among the key projects, we are announcing the upcoming launch of a call for tenders for the implementation of an Automotive Smart City , in partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy and GIZ .”

For his part, Mr. Maher Douss , automotive expert and Head of Supplier Quality at Emotors , noted:

"The Tunisian automotive industry must adapt its ecosystem to electrification , a transformation that opens up new opportunities for the sector."

Strengthening strategic partnerships and innovation

The TAA confirms its commitment to:

• Develop strategic industrial partnerships with Europe and Africa

• Diversify export markets

• Attracting new industrial facilities

• Promoting the transfer of know-how and supporting innovation in the Tunisian automotive sector

With this 9th AGM, the Tunisian Automotive Association reaffirms its role as a central pillar of the Tunisian automotive industry , supporting stakeholders towards sustainable and technological growth .

The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) , in partnership with FIPA Tunisia and the Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI TF) , is proud to announce the participation of the Tunisian pavilion at Equip Auto Paris 2025 , which will be held from October 14 to 18, 2025 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (Hall 1 – Stand L 096).

Three Tunisian companies at the forefront of automotive innovation

The Tunisian pavilion will highlight the dynamism and expertise of the Tunisian automotive sector through three leading companies:

• ASSAD GROUP : a pioneer in the manufacture of high-performance and durable batteries

• FONDINOR : a leading player in metallurgical solutions and innovative components

• Plastic Electromechanic Company – PEC Group : specialists in high-quality plastic and electromechanical parts

Through this pavilion, Tunisia showcases its expertise , innovative spirit and industrial competitiveness , offering international partners high value-added cooperation opportunities.

The driving role of TAA

Alongside its members, the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) confirms its role as a strategic pillar for:

• Promoting Tunisian automotive excellence

• Strengthening the presence of Tunisian companies on the international stage

• Supporting innovation , competitiveness and sustainable development in the automotive sector

The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) is participating in the EQUIP AUTO Paris 2025 trade fair , in partnership with FIPA Tunisia and the Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCITF) , alongside Tunisian companies ASSAD GROUP , FONDINOR and Plastic Electromechanic COMPANY .

The Tunisian delegation had the honor of welcoming His Excellency Mr. Dhia Khaled , Ambassador of Tunisia to France , accompanied by Mr. Mohamed Toukabri , Economic Advisor. They were warmly received by:

• Mr. Imed Charfeddine , Vice-President of the TAA

• Ms. Fatma Kolsi , Director General of TAA

• Mr. Philippe Baudin , President of EQUIP AUTO

• Mr. Claude Cham , Honorary President

• Ms. Aurélie Jouve , Director of EQUIP AUTO

• Mr. Khelil Chaibi , President of the CCITF

Also present were key players in the Tunisian automotive sector, such as Mr. Ibrahim Debache , automotive expert, and Mr. Chekib Debbabi , member of the TAA Steering Committee and General Manager of Tunisie Plastiques Systèmes – Groupe Plastivaloire , as well as representatives of the exhibiting companies.

The visit continued at the stands of Mecafilter International , Misfat Filtration and LTM – Leading Technology in Mechanics , where they were welcomed by the leaders Mr. Abdesslam Ben Ayed , Mr. Amine Ben Ayed , Mr. Riadh Abdelkefi and Mr. Riadh Ben Ayed .

A first day marked by Tunisian influence

This first day of the EQUIP AUTO 2025 trade fair was an opportunity to highlight Tunisian expertise in the automotive industry , to strengthen the visibility of Tunisian companies and to create new opportunities for international collaboration .

TAA thus continues to play a central role in promoting the Tunisian automotive industry and its innovation on the international stage .

The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) was pleased to participate in the African ESG Summit , which was held under the theme:
"How artificial intelligence is transforming African industries according to ESG principles."

During this event, Mr. Issam Jemli , member of the TAA steering committee and General Manager of Bontaz Tunisia , spoke as a panelist to share the vision of the Tunisian automotive sector : an industry focused on competitiveness , sustainability and responsible innovation .

The Tunisian automotive industry: between progress and new challenges

The Tunisian automotive sector has made significant progress, but it faces major challenges in an increasingly competitive global market:

🔹 Infrastructure and logistics : modernize industrial areas, create an Automotive Smart City , streamline trade through the State-TAA competitiveness pact , and accelerate the transition to green and competitive energy .

🔹 Skills and technologies : investing in R&D , embedded software , and specialized training (electrification, AI, connectivity), while strengthening talent retention through the development of human capital.

🔹 Governance and incentive environment : ensuring regulatory and fiscal stability, improving the coordination of public policies and aligning companies with ESG standards (decarbonization, traceability, governance).

Six levers to strengthen the competitiveness of the Tunisian automotive sector

1️⃣ Structural and regulatory reforms
2️⃣ Industrial and technological innovation
3️⃣ Human capital development and training
4️⃣ High-performing infrastructure and logistics
5️⃣ Communication and promotion of the Made in Tunisia automotive industry
6️⃣ Sustainable Development and ESG Compliance

TAA takes concrete action through a digitized ESG framework , a strategic tool to support companies towards sustainable, measurable and internationally recognized performance .

Towards sustainable and technological competitiveness

Thanks to its proximity to Europe , its skilled workforce , and its industrial flexibility , Tunisia has strong assets to become a sustainable automotive hub . The challenge now is to transform these assets into a technological and responsible competitive advantage .

Mr. Béchir Dardour , member of the Steering Committee of the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) , spoke at the GREEN FORWARD INDUSTRY (GFI) event, organized by UNIDO Tunisia (United Nations Industrial Development Organization), in partnership with UTICA , the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy , and the Ministry of Environment .

He took part in the panel entitled "Developing circular economy solutions in the automotive sector in Tunisia" , alongside Mr. Walid Benamor (President of the ELENTICA Cluster), Mr. Noureddine Guizani (General Manager of CETIME Tunisia ) and Mr. Hichem Turki (General Manager of NOVATION CITY ).

TAA's commitment to a sustainable and competitive Tunisian automotive industry

In his speech, Mr. Dardour highlighted the leading role of the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) , which today unites a large network of industrial and institutional players mobilized to strengthen the competitiveness , sustainability and growth of the Tunisian automotive sector .

He notably presented two major TAA initiatives:

1️⃣ The Automotive ESG Reference Framework : an interactive digital tool enabling companies to assess their level of maturity in sustainability and identify their ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) action priorities .

2️⃣ Pillar 6 “Sustainable Development” of the Competitiveness Pact : a strategic initiative aimed at integrating ESG dimensions into industrial performance and promoting the transition to a more responsible and low-carbon model .

A vision focused on sustainability and the circular economy

Through these projects, TAA confirms its ambition to position Tunisia as a key player in the sustainable automotive industry in Africa , by supporting the ecological transition , decarbonization and the promotion of the circular economy .

The Tunisian Automotive Association has thus established itself as a strategic partner to support companies in the sector towards sustainable, competitive and internationally recognized performance .

The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) was pleased to participate, as an official partner , in the France-Tunisia Business Meetings , organized on October 28 in Paris by Business France .

During the session entitled "Industry and decarbonization, a pillar of co-development between France and Tunisia" ,
Mr. Imed Charfeddine , Vice-President of the TAA , spoke alongside:
• Clément Molizon – General Delegate, Avere-France ⚡
• Christophe Aufrère – Managing Director, Automotive Industry Program (PFA)
• Pierre Kermel – Vice President Europe, FORVIA
• Jean-Louis Pech – President, FIEV

The Tunisian automotive industry is committed to decarbonization and co-development

This meeting provided an opportunity to highlight Tunisian initiatives in energy transition , decarbonization projects in the sector, and the strategic vision of the TAA for sustainable, competitive and value-creating industrial development .

In parallel, Ms. Lamia Gharbi , Director of Communication and Partnerships at TAA , participated in several BtoB meetings with French companies, in order to explore new opportunities for industrial cooperation and to strengthen economic ties between France and Tunisia .

The automotive sector in Tunisia: a pillar of the national economy

🔹 The country's second largest industrial employer , with over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs
🔹 Nearly USD 4 billion in exports , mostly to Europe
🔹 Presence of leading French equipment manufacturers and companies , historical partners in Tunisian industrial development
🔹 Growth of the electric vehicle , innovative components , digitalization and Industry 4.0 sectors
🔹 Emergence of a software and IT ecosystem specializing in the automotive industry
🔹 Objective: to increase local value and support the energy transition of the sector

The strategic role of the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA)

As an umbrella organization for stakeholders in the automotive sector, the TAA :
• Brings together and mobilizes Tunisian industrialists around a common vision
• Promotes Franco-Tunisian industrial co-development
• Supports innovation , training and sustainability within the sector
• Promotes Tunisian expertise through international forums and events

Many thanks to Business France for the exemplary organization of this edition and for its continued commitment to bringing the French and Tunisian economic ecosystems closer together.