On January 29, 2025, The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, attended the inauguration of the Terna Innovation Zone project. The event was held in the presence of Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Tunisian Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Wael Chouchane, and other high-ranking officials from both countries.
The Terna Innovation Zone, part of the ELMED electrical interconnection project between Tunisia and Italy, aims to foster technological innovation in the energy sector. It will support sustainable energy transition by promoting innovation ecosystems, training, and capacity-building for start-ups, according to a statement by the Tunisian Foreign Ministry.
In his speech, Minister Nafti highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Tunisia and Italy, emphasizing Tunisia’s commitment to deepening cooperation in renewable energy. He referenced a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed during his visit to Rome in January 2025, which focuses on energy transition collaboration.
The Italian Minister reaffirmed Italy’s support for Tunisia under the Mattei Plan for Development in Africa, aiming to ensure sustainable, carbon-free growth. The Terna Innovation Zone is expected to enhance cooperation in technological innovation, talent development, and start-up support, addressing challenges in employment and sustainable development.
