The Tunisian Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Investment (APIA), in collaboration with FAO and the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), announces the start of activities of the "Agri-accelerator Hub". This hub will support young agro-entrepreneurs to invest in the sheep-dairy sector, and the olive oil sector in the north-west of Tunisia, more specifically in the governorate of Béja.

The objective of this program is two-pronged. First, it will strengthen the competitiveness of young agri-entrepreneurs in order to penetrate local and international markets. Second it will raise the attractiveness of the selected agri-food sectors, currently characterized by a high potential for investment and job creation. In addition, special emphasis is placed on responsible investment projects, which contribute to the territorial development of the region, and which are likely to have a positive impact on the socio-economic and environmental spheres.

Awareness-raising events about innovative agri-entrepreneurship among young people in the region of Béja will be initiated in April to raise interest in entrepreneurship and show the existing opportunities in the promising sectors (olive oil and sheep-dairy) in a region particularly affected by unemployment. The campaign is aimed at young people with project ideas in the sectors mentioned to accompany them in the process of identifying opportunities to create a business in the fields of agriculture, agri-food and innovative services related to these sectors, efficient and sustainable. In April, the cluster will also launch its call for project applications.

During the support phase (scheduled for the months of June to September 2021), a group of approximately 20 young agri-entrepreneurs will receive support in consolidating the project proposal, preparing a "pitch", as well as seeking funding. The projects that are most in line with the profile criteria sought (viability, innovation, territorial development and adherence to "responsible" investment criteria) will also receive awards.

All information related to this hub will be available on the APIA website: http://www.apia.com.tn/ 

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