The recent "Seminar on Public-Private Partnerships in North Africa for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth" brought together key stakeholders from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the General Public-Private Partnership Authority (IGPPP), and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) to explore opportunities and challenges in the North African region. The event, held at the El Mouradi Gammarth Hotel on June 15th and 16th, 2023, aimed to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, promoting infrastructure development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In her pre-recorded speech, Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdhane expressed the government's dedication to strengthening cooperation with the AfDB and North African countries. The government plans to enhance the business climate, prioritize PPP projects, and build capacities in organizations involved in PPPs. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of diversifying financing sources for public projects and exploring the efficiency and rapid implementation offered by PPPs.

Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Saïd, underscored the significance of public-private partnerships in reducing costs and operating expenses. He assured that PPPs do not threaten the role of the state and urged Tunisian entrepreneurs and banks to contribute actively. The 2023-2025 plan includes various projects planned for implementation through PPPs, demonstrating the government's commitment to this approach.

Ms. Nejia Gharbi, CEO of the CDC, stressed the vital role of PPPs in realizing infrastructure projects. Deposit and Consignment Funds serve as long-term public investors and strategic partners in these projects, aligning with the model of PPP projects. She emphasized the need to discover the recipe for PPP success and the importance of transparent and trustworthy public-private relationships.

Mr. Atef Majdoub, President of the IGPPP, praised the event's realization and highlighted the Tunisian government's focus on public-private partnerships. He acknowledged the importance of leveraging the private sector's advantages in innovation, expertise, and financing as evident in the 2023-2025 development plan.

The seminar not only served as a platform for knowledge sharing but also laid the foundation for future cooperation and partnerships between the public and private sectors in North Africa. To delve deeper into the insights shared during the event and learn about the proposed measures to overcome obstacles, read the full article by clicking here.