Project Background

The Tunisian government has recently embarked on a substantial program targeting research and technological development with the aims of stimulating economic growth and diversity. Within this framework, Tunisia initiated a large scale campaign for the setting up of technology parks across the country. Efforts are now being made to put in place the ambitious project in the region of Sfax:

the Sfax Technology Park at City El-Ons in the northern suburbs.

The Sfax Technology Park project is regarded as an essential component in the development of the Tunisian economy and is an integral part of the ICT Tunisian strategy.

The government of Tunisia is promoting the project through the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technology which has set out several goals and objectives for the Sfax Park including the encouragement of :

• New entrepreneurs and business start-ups;
• Research and development into new emerging technologies;
• New linkages between university, research and the private sector;
• Attraction of business and generation of jobs.

Feasibility study

The Sfax Technology Park’s attractive business environment and superior facilities will have the potential to attract a wide range of technology industries.

A feasibility study, conducted by the services group under funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), concluded that the Sfax Technology Park would have a strong comparative advantage in information and communication technology, and other complementary sectors.

Based on the feasibility study’s demand assessment, the Sfax Technology Park will be able to draw investors in :

• Software development
• Application of information technology in biotechnology health and economics
• Call centers for the Francophone market
• Data conversion and back office services
• Engineering services
• Telecommunications equipment manufacturing
• Education and training