Event Recap: WIDU.africa x ELIFE Tozeur: Entrepreneurship & Networking!
On 15 October 2026, WIDU Tunisia and the ELIFE Tozeur Centre brought together entrepreneurs and stakeholders from the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tozeur, Kébili and Gafsa for a morning dedicated to funding, business support and development opportunities for local micro and small enterprises.
WIDU.africa: Financial Support and Technical Assistance for Entrepreneurs
The event provided an opportunity to present the WIDU.africa programme, its funding mechanisms and its personalised support. Participants discovered how the programme supports micro and small enterprises in Tunisia by combining a grant of up to €3,000 with free, personalised business coaching to promote the sustainable growth of their businesses.
The testimonials from Ms Sondes and Ms Lobna, beneficiaries of the programme, were also a highlight of the morning. They shared their entrepreneurial journeys, the challenges they had faced and how WIDU's financial support and coaching had helped them grow their businesses and turn their entrepreneurial ambitions into reality.
WIDU.africa in Tunisia: Making a Real Impact
The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the results achieved by WIDU.africa in Tunisia since its launch in 2022.
To date, the programme has supported 799 businesses across the country, including 49 in the regions of Tozeur, Gafsa and Kébili. It has contributed to the creation and maintenance of 2,293 jobs, including 80 across these three regions. Nationwide, women account for 61% of the jobs created and maintained.
In total, €1.5 million in grants has been awarded to Tunisian businesses, including €62,000 benefiting businesses in Tozeur, Gafsa and Kébili.
These results demonstrate the programme's contribution to the development of micro and small enterprises, job creation and the strengthening of local entrepreneurship.
Regional Ecosystem Mobilised to Support Local Businesses
The event also brought together several stakeholders from the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, who presented the technical and financial support schemes available in the region:
- Ms Amany Benjeddou, Director of the ELIFE Tozeur Centre;
- Ms Chafika Chaabouni, representative of the South-West Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- Ms Souhir Ben Ayed, representative of the National Handicrafts Office – Tozeur Delegation;
- Mr Néji Rached, President of Initiative Tozeur.
Their contributions helped entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of the resources and support schemes available to help them grow their businesses. The discussions also encouraged experience-sharing, the development of new connections and the identification of potential collaboration opportunities among stakeholders across the regional ecosystem.
Strengthening Entrepreneurial Opportunities in the South-West
By bringing together entrepreneurs, business support organisations and regional partners, the event helped connect local businesses with the resources and opportunities available to them.
WIDU.africa would like to thank the ELIFE Tozeur Centre for its collaboration, as well as the speakers, partners and all the entrepreneurs who attended for their participation and the valuable exchanges.
Together, let us continue our efforts to support local initiatives, strengthen synergies among ecosystem stakeholders and promote sustainable economic development in the regions of Tozeur, Kébili and Gafsa.
Find Out More About WIDU.africa in Tunisia
Stay up to date with the latest news and information about WIDU.africa in Tunisia through our official channels:
- Follow us on Facebook: WIDU Tunisie
- Discover the programme in Tunisia: Tunisia | WIDU - Promoting Small Businesses in Africa