AATB Partners with Tunisia Africa Business Meeting to Boost Economic Growth and Food Security

The Arab-Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program is gearing up for its 4th Board of Governors (BoG) Meeting and the 11th Executive Committee (EC) Meeting on July 1-2, 2024, in Tunis, Tunisia. These significant events, held in collaboration with the Government of Tunisia, will also see the AATB Program serving as a strategic partner and sponsor for the Tunisia Africa Business Meetings (TABM) 2024. This collaboration aims to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen trade relationships between Arab and African nations, driving forward regional growth and development.

History and Achievements of the AATB Program

Launched in February 2017, the AATB Program has made significant strides in fostering economic collaboration across regions. The upcoming fourth assembly of the Board of Governors underscores a crucial step in advancing the program’s mission. This meeting will focus on several core objectives: raising awareness about the AATB Program among delegations, offering strategic guidance for institutionalizing the program, and fortifying relationships among member countries.

Expected Attendance and Key Outcomes

The events are anticipated to draw over 400 attendees for the plenary session, with more than 20 delegations expected at the 4th BoG meeting and six delegations at the 11th EC meeting. Among the expected outcomes are the achievements of the AATB Program, implementation of the Operational Plan, improved coordination of AATB activities with partner objectives, and enhanced engagement and commitment from member countries and organizations.

Focus on Food Security

A significant highlight of the event will be a roundtable discussion on “Bridging the Gap on Food Security.” In 2023, the AATB launched an initiative to tackle the urgent challenges of food security in the region. This program aims to boost agricultural productivity, ensure sustainable food systems, and improve the livelihoods of communities across Arab and African countries.

Key Partners and Participants

The meeting will feature participation from prominent AATB partners, including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD). These organizations have been vital in propelling the AATB’s objectives through strategic initiatives and financing programs.

Agenda Highlights

• Review of the AATB Program’s Progress: Assessing initiatives launched under the program, including the Food Security program, Institutionalization project, and Arab Africa Guarantee Fund.
• Focus on Strategic Partnerships: Discussions on enhancing existing collaborations to facilitate cross-border trade and investment.
• The AATB Operational Plan: Partnerships with member countries and organizations, including country programs, regional projects, capacity-building initiatives, and AATB events.

Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, Secretary General of AATB, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This 4th AATB Board of Governors meeting is a critical step for AATB, as it comes at a pivotal juncture in our efforts to institutionalize the program and deepen our impact. Our partnership with the Tunisia Africa Business Meeting underscores our commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and addressing key challenges like food security. We are excited about the opportunities this event presents for deepening our cooperation and creating a lasting impact.”

The Tunisia Africa Business Meeting

Organized by CEPEX, the Tunisia Export Agency, with AATB as the premium partner, the Tunisia Africa Business Meeting will bring together a diverse group of participants. This includes private sector companies from Tunisia and Africa, ministers, CEOs, and high-ranking officials from Arab and African countries. Attendees will engage in meaningful discussions, sign agreements and memoranda of understanding, and explore innovative solutions to enhance trade relations between the two regions.

Beyond the formal sessions, the event will facilitate B2B professional meetings, offering a dynamic platform for businesses to network, forge partnerships, and explore new trade and investment opportunities.

Significance of the Event

The support of the Government of Tunisia and the strategic location of Tunis amplify the significance of this gathering. Tunisia’s pivotal role in fostering trade and economic cooperation within the region is further highlighted through this event.

The AATB Program is a multi-donor, multi-country, and multi-organization initiative supported by Afreximbank, BADEA, IsDB, ITFC, ICIEC, and ICD. The program aims to promote and increase trade and investment flows between African and Arab OIC member countries. It provides and supports trade finance and export credit insurance and enhances existing capacity-building tools related to trade. The program specifically focuses on key sectors such as agriculture and related industries, the health industry, infrastructure and transport, petrochemicals, construction materials, and technology.

By continually driving initiatives like the AATB Program, Arab and African nations can look forward to a future of increased economic growth and improved food security, fostering sustainable development across both regions.