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Tunisia and Libya—two key Maghreb nations strategically positioned as gateways to Africa—unveiled a landmark infrastructure initiative of considerable strategic significance for the entire African continent. This collaborative project, known as the Africa Gateway, aims to reshape regional trade dynamics by establishing a major trade and logistics corridor extending from North Africa deep into the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Walid Keskes, a Tunisian consultant specializing in growth and internationalization strategies, this ambitious initiative is designed to link Tunisia with several landlocked Sub-Saharan countries, including Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. Keskes, who detailed the project in a recent LinkedIn post, explained that the corridor is envisioned as a comprehensive infrastructure network that would transform Tunisia into a continental trade and logistics hub, while also reinforcing Libya’s role as a vital transit country for goods flowing across the region.
The Africa Gateway will span thousands of kilometers, involving both the modernization of existing roadways and the construction of new transport and logistics infrastructure. This includes extensive upgrades to port facilities, logistics platforms, and transportation systems to ensure swift, secure, and efficient movement of goods. Advanced traffic monitoring and management technologies will also be deployed to reduce transit times and optimize the overall flow of trade along the corridor.
However, Keskes’ announcement comes at a time of growing skepticism regarding Tunisia’s ability to deliver on such grand-scale infrastructure promises. The Enfidha deep-water port project, which has been under discussion for years, has yet to break ground—raising concerns about the country’s infrastructure execution capacity. Meanwhile, Rades Port, Tunisia’s primary commercial port, continues to suffer from operational inefficiencies and outdated logistics systems, compounded by the longstanding grip of the state-owned operator STAM. Despite frequent visits from high-ranking officials, little progress has been made in improving performance or capacity. Tunisair, the national airline, is also grappling with serious financial challenges, leaving it ill-prepared to benefit from the potential commercial opportunities arising from increased regional trade.
Regarding the financial framework, the Africa Gateway project is being funded through a combination of public funds from both Tunisia and Libya, along with support from international financial institutions. In addition to public investment, private sector players are expected to take part in the design, construction, and operation phases of the infrastructure. Strategic oversight will be jointly handled by the Tunisian and Libyan governments through a dedicated bi-national management committee.
However, specific details remain unclear. Keskes did not disclose the identities of the private companies or professional entities that will be involved, nor did he clarify whether the selection process would involve calls for tenders or requests for expressions of interest, leaving open questions about transparency and competitiveness.
Project Phases and Timeline
The Africa Gateway initiative will unfold in three major phases:
- Planning Phase (2023–2024): This phase was expected to include feasibility studies, technical assessments, and the structuring of financing arrangements. Given the timeline, these foundational elements should now be complete or nearing completion.
- Construction Phase (2025–2028): This stage will see the physical realization of the corridor, including both road rehabilitation and new infrastructure development, as well as the construction of logistics hubs to support long-haul trade operations.
- Operational Phase (2029 onward): Once completed, the corridor will become fully functional, with cross-border cooperation in managing and maintaining the infrastructure. The aim is to foster seamless trade flows between North and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keskes emphasized the significant economic benefits the Africa Gateway is expected to generate. The project is anticipated to create thousands of jobs, particularly in sectors such as construction, logistics, and trade. Moreover, it will provide direct overland access to African markets for Tunisia and Libya, enhancing regional supply chains and market integration.
Beyond the economic dividends, the initiative holds deeper strategic implications. It signals a renewed ambition by North African nations to exert greater economic influence across the continent, assert regional sovereignty, and reduce dependency on maritime trade routes and foreign logistical platforms.
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“The Africa Gateway is a structuring and transformative initiative,” Keskes concluded, “that highlights the capability of Tunisia and Libya to conceive and implement high-impact continental infrastructure. It represents a powerful lever for economic growth and competitiveness—not only for North Africa, but also for the broader Sub-Saharan region.” As plans move toward execution, all eyes will be on how effectively these two nations can deliver on the promises of this high-stakes, high-potential corridor.
