Tunis Chamber of Commerce launches 'SPEEDUP' hub to boost startups internationally

Tunisia's entrepreneurial landscape is set to gain a significant international incubation boost aimed at enhancing export competitiveness. The Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has officially established a public commercial execution center, designed as a hub for technological innovation and mentorship for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and high-potential startups.

This innovation center, slated to open its doors in the fall of 2026, will operate within the framework of the "Europe Interreg NEXT MED" trans-Mediterranean cooperation program. It will house the Applied Business School and function in synergy with a Euro-Mediterranean alliance connecting Tunisia to seven partner nations. This network will provide beneficiaries with a privileged channel to forge business alliances with external clients and adopt global best management practices. The center plans to host between 15 and 25 participants in person while offering virtual access to its services and content, broadening its reach.

The core objective of SPEEDUP is to provide multidimensional assistance, helping entrepreneurs overcome isolation and navigate the customs and regulatory barriers of Western markets. Expert teams will conduct advanced training and international networking sessions, guiding supported companies toward aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, essential for securing international funding. A specific budget of 315,300 euros has been allocated for Tunisia over a thirty-six-month period, extending until 2028, to realize this roadmap.

Operationally, the hub will initially welcome a small cohort of about twenty executives for in-person coaching. However, all training modules and databases will be accessible via a virtual portal to democratize access across the country. This initiative directly addresses the structural weaknesses of local businesses, often hampered by limited capital and complex cross-border logistics. The official launch of the SPEEDUP Tunisia Hub in fall 2026 is expected to solidify the chamber's role in economic decentralization and promote Tunisian expertise within the Mediterranean region.