A strategic dialogue for the future of the construction sector in Tunisia

Tunis (ILO News) - As part of the official visit to Tunisia of Mr. Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), a meeting was organized by the team of the Pilot Initiative for Integrated Local Development bringing together key stakeholders in the construction sector, including BWI regional representatives for Africa and the MENA region, the General Secretary of the Tunisian General Federation of Building and Wood Workers (FGBB) under the UGTT, and the President of the Tunisian Federation of Construction Companies (FNEBTP) affiliated with UTICA as well as representatives of the ILO in Tunisia and of the ILO Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP).

© Wael Ben Ameur/ILO

© Wael Ben Ameur/ILO

An overview of the construction sector in Tunisia

This meeting provided a significant opportunity to present the EIIP programme and its interventions in Tunisia. Special attention was given to the ILO survey on the realities of the construction sector, covering more than 1,000 companies. This in-depth study identified the main challenges and needs, particularly in skilled labour. It was further expanded to include stakeholders from the sector's design phase (architects, engineers, urban planners...), thereby creating a detailed mapping of Tunisia’s construction ecosystem.

Essential social dialogue for sustainable reform

Recognizing that sector reform relies on structured social dialogue, the ILO team reiterated its contribution to the historic signing of the wage increase agreement in the construction sector, a strong commitment by the various stakeholders despite the challenging economic context. This progress demonstrates the collective will to create a stable social climate conducive to the development of a sector that has long been considered as a key driver of national economic growth.

The general secretary of the FGBB praised the ILO’s support, which has enabled his organization to strengthen its structure, improve governance, modernize services for members, and enhance visibility through the development of communication tools. This support has also facilitated the organization of thematic global days (such as World Day for Safety and Health at Work and International Women's Day) and strengthened the executive office's capacities through training and active participation in international seminars, including the regional seminar for EIIP practitioners.

An urgent need for skilled labour

Faced with the major challenge of a shortage of skilled labour in Tunisia’s construction sector, the ILO survey highlighted a deficit of nearly 30,000 workers. This situation led to an in-depth discussion between trade union and employer federations on the need to establish enhanced cooperation to address this shortfall and ensure a workforce that meets market demands.

Launch of STA Academy: an initiative for the future of the sector

In this context, the ILO presented the "STA Academy" project, an initiative aligned with the recently launched strategic sectoral dialogue. Developed in partnership with the FGBB and supported by the FNEBTP, this programme aims to train a new generation of sustainable construction professionals.

STA Academy will offer specialized training to young people, facilitating their rapid integration into the job market and opening pathways to self-employment opportunities. Sector companies will be mobilized to support these young professionals through mentorship and sponsorship initiatives, ensuring training that aligns with real market needs and providing easier access to skilled jobs.

A collective commitment to a transforming sector

At the conclusion of this meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting any collaborative initiative that promotes the sustainable development of the construction sector in Tunisia. This gathering not only strengthened ties between key stakeholders but also laid the groundwork for constructive social dialogue and concrete initiatives to address the sector's challenges.

With projects such as STA Academy, Tunisia is equipping itself with innovative strategic tools to modernize the construction sector, enhance youth employability, and foster inclusive and sustainable economic development.