Tunisia seeks to revive phosphate sector for economic growth

Tunisia's mining sector, a cornerstone of its national economy, requires urgent revitalization, according to Minister of Equipment and Habitat Salah Zouari. Speaking at the investiture ceremony for Omar Bouzouada as the new CEO of the Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG) and Groupe Chimique Tunisien (GCT), Zouari emphasized the critical need to ramp up production of phosphates and chemical fertilizers.

"The sector constitutes one of the main pillars of the national economy and an essential engine of growth," Zouari stated. He urged for greater mobilization of human resources and intensified efforts to boost the phosphate and derivatives industry. The minister also stressed the importance of strengthening the sector's global presence to help Tunisia reclaim its standing in international markets amidst fierce competition.

Zouari acknowledged the work of previous directors and called for the continuation of reforms aimed at improving sector performance. The ceremony was attended by the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Wael Chouchane, board members of CPG and GCT, and other high-ranking officials. Omar Bouzouada's appointment was formalized by decree on June 1, 2026.

The push to revitalize the phosphate sector comes as Tunisia seeks to leverage its natural resources to drive economic growth and reassert its position on the global stage. The industry has historically been a significant contributor to the country's export revenue and employment.

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This sector constitutes one of the main pillars of the national economy and an essential engine of growth.