Located in the heart of Tunisia, the governorate of Siliana occupies a strategic position as a bridge between the northwestern governorates and the centre of the country, sharing borders with seven other governorates. Covering an area of 4,642 km², the governorate is home to a population of 223,100 inhabitants, with 70,582 forming the active population.
● The industrial sector of Siliana encompasses 316 active companies.
● Including 64 companies with a workforce of 10 employees or more.
● 11 industrial units with foreign participation, strengthening its economic attractiveness.
The diverse industrial sector of Siliana is a key driver of its development, with key sectors including agri-food, mechanics, metallurgy, household appliances, chemistry, textiles and clothing, as well as leather and footwear.
Siliana benefits from a well-developed basic infrastructure, promoting economic progress and regional connectivity. Electrification effectively covers the whole region, ensuring widespread access to electricity for residences and industrial activities.
Regarding land transportation, Siliana has an extensive network with 197 km of national roads, 354 km of regional roads, 223 km of local roads, and 760 km of agricultural tracks, facilitating the mobility of people and goods. The railway network, including line 6 connecting Tunis to Kasserine via Bouarada, Gaafour, and Sidi Bourouis, enhances the region’s connectivity.
The presence of seven industrial areas, including Siliana Industrial area 1, Siliana Industrial Zone 2, Gaafour Industrial Zone, Bouarada Industrial zone 1, Makthar Industrial Zone, Bouarada Industrial zone 2, and El Krib Industrial zone, reflects the region’s commitment to industrial development and job creation. These zones contribute to energising the local economy.
Siliana is putting in place essential pillars for the harmonious development of the region, offering residents an improved quality of life.
● Siliana is home to a strong educational network, with 193 primary schools, 43 secondary colleges, as well as higher education institutions such as the Higher Institute of Technological Studies (ISET) and the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts (ISAM ). These institutions train the next generation of professionals and contribute to the academic advancement of the region.
● The healthcare sector is well developed, with one regional hospital, eight local hospitals, multiple basic health centres and four centres dedicated to maternal and child care. A competent medical team, supported by 30 pharmacies, ensures that the health needs of the population are well taken care of.
● To meet the needs for professional skills, Siliana has 6 public and 5 private vocational training centres. These centres play a key role in training a qualified workforce adapted to the demands of the job market and promoting local economic development.
● Tourism also thrives in the region, with two hotels offering visitors an immersion into the local culture. The local crafts, notably the production of traditional rugs and weavings, along with iconic archaeological sites such as MAKTHARIS, ZAMA, MUSTI, and KESRA, add a historical and artistic dimension to the tourist experience.
Siliana positions itself as a governorate committed to education, healthcare, vocational training, and tourism. This approach contributes to strengthening the economic and cultural dynamism of the region, creating an environment favourable to prosperity and improved quality of life.
Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation – APII
Established in 1972, APII is a public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines. It is responsible for implementing government policy relating to the promotion of the industrial sector and innovation. The APII is the main point of contact for investors regarding the legal constitution of companies and the management of financial and fiscal benefits.
APII services
The One Stop Shop, ISO 9001 certified, provides most of the APII services for the company
● The provision of certificates for the submission of investment project declarations
● Carrying out the formalities for the establishment of companies.
● Assisting with the establishment of companies.
Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency – APIA
APIA is a public institution established in 1983, with the principal mission of promoting private investment in agriculture, fishing and associated services.
APIA services
● Granting financial and fiscal benefits established by the Investment Law No. 2016-71 to promoters of agricultural, fishing, and related services projects, as well as projects involving the primary processing of agricultural and fishing products.
● Identifying investment opportunities and project ideas to be promoted by Tunisian and foreign private operators, thereby contributing to the achievement of national objectives assigned to the agricultural sector.
● Assisting promoters in the preparation of their investment files and providing guidance during the implementation phase of their projects.
Agence Foncière Industrielle – AFI
The Industrial property Agency is a public organisation established in 1973 to strengthen the industrial network and contribute to the economic and social development of Tunisia.
AFI services
● The creation and development of industrial areas equipped with the amenities necessary for the implementation of industrial projects.
● The construction of modular industrial premises and their provision to Tunisian and foreign investors.