Tunisia’s Dual Strategy: Expanding African Trade and Strengthening Security Capabilities

Introduction
Tunisia is pursuing a two-pronged strategy to secure its future: expanding economic integration with African markets while simultaneously modernizing its defence capabilities. On one hand, Tunis seeks to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and a logistics corridor through Libya to become a hub linking Europe with Sub-Saharan Africa. On the other, it is bolstering its air force with U.S.-supplied T-6C Texan II aircraft, enhancing counterterrorism and border surveillance in a volatile regional environment. These moves highlight Tunisia’s ambition to position itself as both an economic and security anchor in the Mediterranean and African spheres.

Economic Ambitions: The African Corridor
Despite its proximity and industrial base, Tunisia exploits only a fraction of its trade potential with Africa, with exports representing barely a quarter of capacity. An estimated $518 million in untapped opportunities exists, particularly in agri-food, textiles, leather, electromechanics, and automotive components.

To unlock this potential, Tunis envisions a logistics corridor with Libya, streamlining access to inland African markets. Combined with AfCFTA’s goal of creating a $2.5 trillion common market by 2030 and eliminating up to 90% of intra-African tariffs, Tunisia hopes to dramatically scale exports.

Yet, the path is not without obstacles. High logistics costs, regulatory fragmentation, limited export financing, and global economic headwinds could blunt progress. Without targeted investment in infrastructure, efficiency, and financial support, the ambition of quadrupling African exports may remain aspirational.

Still, Tunisia holds competitive advantages: a strategic location bridging Europe and Africa, proven industrial know-how, and strong human capital. If effectively leveraged, these assets could make the country a regional hub for value chains, connecting European expertise with African demand.

Security Priorities: Modernizing the Air Force
Parallel to its economic agenda, Tunisia is upgrading its defence infrastructure. The country has received the first four of eight Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft from the United States, a delivery that strengthens pilot training, border surveillance, and counterterrorism operations.

Stationed at Sfax-Thyna Air Base, the new aircraft will replace aging L-59T Super Albatross planes. Equipped with digital avionics, safety systems, and extended endurance features, they provide not only advanced training but also vital operational capacity for aerial reconnaissance and border security.

This modernization comes at a critical time. Tunisia faces persistent security challenges from smuggling networks, extremist groups, and instability spilling over from neighbouring Libya. Enhanced air capabilities, coupled with pilot training aligned to NATO standards, are expected to improve rapid response to asymmetric threats.

Balancing Growth and Security
The simultaneous pursuit of economic expansion and military modernization underscores Tunisia’s recognition that stability and growth are intertwined. The U.S.-Tunisia defence partnership reinforces the country’s security posture, while trade corridor initiatives aim to unlock prosperity through deeper African integration.

Both tracks converge on a common objective: consolidating Tunisia’s role as a reliable link between Europe and Africa. Economic competitiveness depends on secure borders, while security credibility enhances Tunisia’s attractiveness as a regional business hub.

Conclusion
Tunisia’s current trajectory illustrates a strategic balancing act. By investing in both economic corridors and defence modernization, Tunis is seeking to transform geographic positioning into genuine competitive advantage. Success will depend on its ability to overcome logistical and financial barriers while sustaining security partnerships in an unpredictable region. If managed effectively, Tunisia could emerge as a pivotal Mediterranean-African hub — economically dynamic and strategically secure.