Tunis hosts Terna’s first innovation hub in Africa, marking an important step forward in the strategic collaboration between Italy and Tunisia. The Terna Innovation Zone was established with the objective of promoting technological innovation and enhancing skills in the Tunisian energy sector, contributing to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Mattei Plan for Africa.
An ecosystem for the growth of innovation
This new hub will act as a catalyst for innovative entrepreneurship, offering a specialised training lab that will support the development of Tunisia’s energy sector. It will host open innovation and acceleration programmes, through which local start-ups will be able to access global resources, expertise and opportunities through Terna’s network.
The first concrete step will be the launch, in February, of a call for start-ups, followed by the activation of a scaling programme dedicated to the most promising emerging realities in the energy and digital transition sectors. In addition, the Terna Innovation Zone will focus on the training of engineers and technicians in the energy sector, thanks to partnerships with Tunisia’s main universities, with the aim of providing new skills and spreading a culture of innovation that is essential for the evolution of the country’s energy system.
A commitment to a fair and inclusive energy transition
‘With the Terna Innovation Zone in Tunisia, we confirm our commitment to a fair and sustainable energy transition, capable of enhancing local skills and generating new opportunities for start-ups, professionals and young talents in the sector,’ said Giuseppina Di Foggia, Terna’s CEO and General Manager.
According to Di Foggia, the project reflects the values of corporate social responsibility, combining innovation, training, and international cooperation. ‘The Terna Innovation Zone will not only be a physical place – shared with the Italian Cultural Institute of Tunis and the Tunisian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – but a symbol of our commitment to technological progress and the enhancement of local talent,’ she concluded.
Industrial cooperation between Italy and Tunisia
The initiative is also an important international cooperation and socioeconomic development project, strengthened by the extension of the agreement between Terna and Steg, the Tunisian electricity and gas grid operator. This collaboration includes knowledge-sharing activities on strategic topics, with the aim of improving the management of electricity transmission grids and addressing the challenges of the energy sector.
Through this synergy, Italy and Tunisia stand to become strategic hubs for energy and innovation in the Mediterranean, fostering new opportunities for collaboration between Italian and Tunisian companies. In line with the Mattei Plan, the Terna Innovation Zone represents a concrete step towards greater integration between Europe and Africa, promoting the sustainable development and growth of Tunisia’s technology ecosystem.