Innov’i – EU4Innovation: Project to Support the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem in Tunisia

As part of the development plan adopted by the Tunisian authorities for the period 2016-2020, institutional and economic reforms have been undertaken to promote the digital economy and diversify the economic fabric. The growth of innovative entrepreneurship has thus been identified as a key lever for reducing unemployment among young graduates and boosting the Tunisian economy.

The Innov’i project was based on 3 areas of operation that aimed to:

• Improve the range of services for start-ups and entrepreneurs, by assisting support structures in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation;
• Assist with the implementation of a regulatory and financing framework conducive to innovative entrepreneurship and start-ups;
• Promote the ecosystem nationally and internationally.

1. Strengthening of the Tunisian innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem

Innov’i supported the development and growth of the selected organisations and initiatives by improving the effectiveness and quality of existing support mechanisms for incubation, acceleration and assistance for innovative start-ups. The actions took hthe form of:

• Allocation of financing via calls for projects and a grant programme amounting to EUR 8m
• Implementation of technical assistance activities tailored to the needs of the ecosystem

2. Implementation of a regulatory and financing framework conducive to innovative entrepreneurship and start-ups

• Support for the operational implementation of the Startup Act, the establishment of the StartupTunisia programme and the development of a regulatory and financing framework conducive to innovative entrepreneurship and start-ups
• Support for public-private dialogue on issues related to entrepreneurship and innovation

3. Promotion of the Tunisian innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem

• Support for the development of the entrepreneurial culture and visibility of the success stories of Tunisian start-ups
• Increase the attractiveness of Tunisian start-ups  
• Support for improving the connection between the Tunisian, European and international ecosystems.

During its implementation, Innov'i – EU4Innovation has enabled:

• The development of 25 projects led by 23 support structures selected through four calls for projects.
• The creation of The Dot, Tunisia's first digital innovation hub, in partnership with the Ministry of Technology and Communication, the Tunisia Development Foundation and GIZ. This hub has become a key space for emulation and collaboration between entrepreneurs.
• Support for the SAVE initiative, led by the Tunisian Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Smart Capital, which has set up a financial support mechanism for start-ups during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Financing of ELIFE centres, created by the Tunisia Development Foundation, promoting the establishment of regional entrepreneurial support organisations.
• Support for the Tunisian Startups association, through the financing of advocacy notes to structure and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tunisia.

The initiatives supported have provided assistance to more than 1,100 project leaders, including nearly 800 innovative SMEs and 400 entrepreneurs in the start-up phase. The project has also funded 322 project leaders for a total amount of more than 6 million dinars.

At the same time, more than 2,000 young people aged 8 to 20 were introduced to entrepreneurship.

Regulatory and Financial Impact

Innov’i – EU4Innovation has also contributed to the evolution of the regulatory and financial framework in Tunisia. The project has supported:

• Start-ups’ access to public procurement markets.
• The development and operationalisation of the crowdfunding law.
• The structuring and implementation of public-private partnerships in the Cap Bon region to support start-ups.
• Support for Smart Capital in defining and structuring the ANAVA fund of funds and the Innovatech fund.

Promotion of the Ecosystem at the international scale

In order to strengthen the international visibility of Tunisian start-ups, the project has enabled:

• The organisation and support of more than 60 promotional events.
• The development of three educational tools for future entrepreneurs.
• The participation of nearly 230 Tunisian start-ups in 21 international trade fairs, thereby promoting their expansion in Europe and Africa.