For a long time marked by a relationship of mutual respect, cooperation between Morocco and the Republic of Korea has recently undergone a remarkable acceleration. Between asserted diplomatic convergences, shared economic ambitions, and joint commitments in strategic areas, Tunis and Seoul are drawing the outlines of a multidimensional partnership, both pragmatic and meaningful.
Tunisia and South Korea seal a partnership to create 75 startups in the digital sector, through a joint project with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Announced on February 18, 2026 by the Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Riadh Chaoued, this program targets the sectors of health, agriculture, environment, education and culture.
This national steering committee assesses the participatory approach and progress of regional employment plans. It supports young entrepreneurs beyond creation, by facilitating commercialization and promotion in domestic and international markets to ensure the viability of the initiatives.
The project strengthens the impact of employment policies by highlighting three priority technology value chains. The startups benefit from comprehensive support, including obtaining the official label and tools to scale their innovative activities.
Riadh Chaoued emphasizes post-creation support, essential to turning ideas into sustainable enterprises. Testimonials from young project leaders have illustrated on-the-ground progress, underscoring the importance of a favorable ecosystem for digital innovation.
Illwoo Nam, KOICA’s director in Tunisia, confirms the Korean commitment to boost youth employability and private initiative. This bilateral partnership extends to the completion of 11 regional employment plans, with a generalization planned to all regions by the end of 2026.
These initiatives align with the national priorities of economic diversification and youth. The minister foresees the imminent launch of regional projects, integrating this program to maximize jobs in the digital sector.
This Tunisian-Korean partnership is dynamizing the Tunisian digital startup ecosystem. The 75 new entities, supported by KOICA and the ILO, will open opportunities in vital sectors. Tunisia thus consolidates its position as a regional technological hub.
