Organised by the Tunisian WestMED National Hub – in partnership with ministries, universities, training centers, and economic stakeholders

Context

Against a backdrop of rapid ecological, digital and socio-economic transformation, the blue economy is emerging as a strategic lever for sustainable and inclusive growth in the Mediterranean region.

For Tunisia, the responsible development of maritime sectors — fishing, aquaculture, maritime transport, port logistics, coastal tourism, recreational boating, shipbuilding and repair, offshore energy, marine renewable energy, biotechnology, marine and coastal waste management and recovery, spatial planning, coastal management, etc. — represents a major opportunity for economic recovery, ecological transition and reducing youth unemployment.

A cross-cutting analysis of the various segments of the blue economy in Tunisia reveals a contrast between economic potential and a lack of skills development.
Blue entrepreneurship, particularly among young people, also represents a strategic avenue for job creation, but faces well-identified obstacles: limited access to financing, administrative complexity, and a lack of guidance and support.

Hence the need to implement a vision for training and matching the supply and demand for maritime skills.

Against this backdrop, here is why a national seminar on blue skills development is particularly relevant:

1. Improve the match between training and employment
2. Fill the skills gap
3. Stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation
4. Integrate digital solutions into training programmes
5. Ensure a maritime culture

Objectives 

The objective of this seminar is to contribute to the consolidation of a national vision for the development of blue skills in Tunisia. It also aims to promote an integrated, inclusive and innovative approach that responds to current socio-economic, technological and environmental challenges.

Expected outcomes

1. A better understanding of blue skills needs in Tunisia
2. A strengthened cooperation network between academia and the business world
3. The development of a set of strategic recommendations to inform a national roadmap for the development of blue skills and professions in Tunisia

For whom

• – Representatives of relevant ministries.
  – Public institutions and companies in the maritime sector.
  – Universities, engineering schools, vocational training centres.
  – Professional organisations and companies in maritime sectors.

Download the agenda here (FR)

Date and venue

This seminar will take place in Tunis on October 28, 2025 | Hôtel Acropole | Tunis

For more information, contact Imed Zammit ou Slim Jerbia (WestMED National Hub Tunisia) : tunisia@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu