Abu Dhabi / Tunis — On the sidelines of the International Food Show Africa (IFSA Africa), the UAE-Tunisia Agriculture and Food Forum convened this week with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture, food security, and modern agri-tech solutions. Co-organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Tunisia, the event brought together high-level government officials, private sector leaders, and innovators from both countries.
The forum underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation in advancing sustainable food production and modernizing supply chains amid mounting global food security challenges.
High-Level Participation and Strategic Dialogue
The forum was attended by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Dr. Iman Ahmed Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia; and delegates from both public institutions and private enterprises—including companies such as Al Islami Foods, Iveco, and Emirates Bio Farm. Representatives from international organizations and startups in the agriculture and food innovation space also took part.
In his keynote remarks, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the vast potential for UAE-Tunisia collaboration across the entire food value chain, describing agriculture and food security as “a foundational pillar” in achieving sustainable growth and regional stability.
Food Security as a Catalyst for Economic Integration
“The UAE-Tunisia Food Business Forum is a vital platform for connecting private sectors from both countries,” H.E. Bin Touq stated. “By sharing expertise in food manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, and advanced agri-tech, we can jointly create new opportunities and address global food challenges.”
He emphasized the UAE’s economic cluster model, which integrates food production, industrial processing, and agri-tech innovation into a single ecosystem designed to improve competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
Ambassador Al Salami: A Strategic Sector for Bilateral Growth
H.E. Dr. Iman Ahmed Al Salami praised the forum as a reflection of strong UAE-Tunisia ties and reaffirmed the role of the food sector in advancing the UAE’s broader economic and food security strategies. She spotlighted UAE companies as regional leaders in the field and pointed to emerging opportunities in biological products and sustainable manufacturing that could further elevate bilateral cooperation.
A Rapidly Growing Food Economy in the UAE
The UAE’s food and agriculture sector continues its upward trajectory. In 2024, the sector’s contribution to the country’s non-oil GDP is projected to rise to 11%, up from 10% in 2023. This growth is underpinned by investments in food processing, agri-tech innovation, and local production initiatives.
The broader food system—including production, distribution, retail, hospitality, and logistics—is expected to generate $38.3 to $40 billion in economic value this year. The food and beverage manufacturing sector alone is forecasted to sustain a 5.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2028.
Investment and Innovation Take Center Stage
Dedicated B2B sessions during the forum provided a platform for companies from both nations to explore collaboration in smart agriculture, food logistics, packaging technologies, and vertical farming. Delegates also examined investment opportunities in alternative proteins, supply chain optimization, and research-driven agricultural innovation.
These discussions aim to foster joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and future-ready strategies that address food security with long-term impact.
IFSA Africa: The Continent’s Premier Food Industry Showcase
Held at Tunisia’s KRAM Expo Center, IFSA Africa is the continent’s leading annual exhibition for the food industry, connecting key players across the entire food value chain—from raw production and processing to packaging, distribution, and innovation.
The UAE-Tunisia Agriculture and Food Forum, set against this vibrant backdrop, reaffirmed the role of international cooperation in tackling global food challenges through shared innovation, technology, and sustainable investment.
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