National advisory Group meeting and Business Challenge Workshop in Tunis - November 2024

On November 6, 2024, the MOBILISE project held two key events in Tunis, Tunisia, at the Radisson Blu Hotel: the business challenge workshop and the 4th Tunisian Advisory Group Meeting. These events brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Tunisian agribusiness industry, international donors, educational institutions, and MOBILISE trainees who recently completed their mobility phase in the Netherlands. 

The Business Challenge Workshop focused on identifying the key challenges and opportunities in Tunisia’s agribusiness sector, particularly in the horticultural industry. Participants discussed critical issues such as water scarcity, high energy costs, pesticide reduction, fragmented value chains, and export competitiveness. The workshop also highlighted opportunities for improvement, including the adoption of advanced irrigation technologies, the development of resilient crop varieties, and the strengthening of value chains through collaboration and entrepreneurship. 

Meanwhile, the Tunisian Advisory Group Meeting provided strategic oversight of the MOBILISE project’s progress in Tunisia. Key discussions included the outcomes of the mobility phase in the Netherlands, feedback from trainees, and the next steps for the return program. The return program will focus on two main areas: supporting interns with business ideas through pre-incubation programs and helping them find employment in Tunisian or international companies. 

The events underscored the importance of collaboration between academia, the private sector, and policymakers to address the challenges facing Tunisian agribusiness. Key takeaways included the need for better pre-departure training, improved housing arrangements for interns, and the development of sustainable business models to enhance the sector’s competitiveness.