Building Your Professional Network in Tunisia: Expat Strategies

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Embarking on a professional adventure in Tunisia means opening yourself to a world of new opportunities and challenges. For expatriates, succeeding in a foreign environment requires more than just professional skills: it’s crucial to develop an effective network capable of supporting their integration and growth.

This North African country, rich in history and cultural diversity, provides fertile ground for building meaningful connections. By adopting strategies adapted to the local dynamics, professionals can transform their foreign status into a valuable asset, thereby fostering enriching collaborations and a flourishing career.

Identifying Essential Networking Events in Tunisia

Major Annual Events in Tunisia Conducive to Professional Networking:

• Tunisia Investment Forum (TIF): Flagship platform for investment and business, bringing together Tunisian and international decision-makers, investors, and project leaders.
• FITA (Financing Investment & Trade in Africa): Essential forum on African investment and trade, held in Tunis, featuring high-level panels and B2B meetings.
• Entrepreneurship Fair: Gathering for entrepreneurs and project leaders, combining exhibitions, conferences, and networking sessions.
• MEDIBAT: Mediterranean building trade show organized by the Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry, featuring business and scientific forums, open to construction professionals and international partners.
• HR Expo: Central event for human resources professionals, offering insights into HR trends, workshops, and numerous networking opportunities.
• BIGTECH: African summit dedicated to technology and business, including exhibitions, conferences, and recruitment.
• SENA – Security Expo North Africa: Trade show on new security technologies and protection.
• SIAMAP: International agriculture, agricultural machinery, and fishing fair, ideal for making contacts in the agri-food sectors.
• Sectoral Days of the Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIT): Specialized meetings and forums by sector (industry, trade, export, etc.), open to members and partners.

Events Organized by International Organizations:

• Grand Prix V.I.E Tunisia: Organized by Business France, it highlights young talent and fosters networking between French and Tunisian companies.
• Team France Export Business Meetings: Exchange and networking sessions between French and Tunisian stakeholders, focused on local market opportunities.

Other Major Sectoral Trade Shows and Forums:

Event	Sector	Frequency	Location
CLIMEXPO	Energy/Air Conditioning	Biennial	Exhibition Park, Tunis
PACK PRINT TUNISIA	Packaging/Printing	Biennial	Exhibition Park, Tunis
PLASTIC EXPO	Plastics	Biennial	Exhibition Park, Tunis
FORUMESURE	Metrology/Quality	Annual	Hammamet
SMA MEDFOOD	Agri-food	Biennial	Exhibition Park, Sfax
PAMED	Animal Production	Annual	Hammamet
Tunis International Book Fair	Culture/Publishing	Annual	Exhibition Park, Tunis

Online Platforms for Expatriates and Professionals:

• Eventseye: Calendar of professional trade shows and fairs in Tunisia.
• Tuniscope: Economic news and announcements of major events.
• Le Petit Journal Tunis: Agenda of business and cultural events, useful for French-speaking expatriates.
• Team France Export: Information on business meetings and international forums.
• Scribd (event lists): Access to PDF files listing Tunisian trade shows and forums.

Why Participate in These Events?

• Meet Key Players: Presence of leaders, investors, public and private decision-makers, accelerating integration into the local economic fabric.
• Create Local Contacts: Direct networking with potential partners, suppliers, and clients, essential for developing business or establishing a presence in the Tunisian market.
• Discover Market Trends: Access to conferences, panels, and workshops on sector innovations, regulatory changes, and investment opportunities.
• Benefit from International Expertise: Participation of international organizations and foreign delegations, fostering intercultural exchanges and cross-border partnerships.

Participating in these events accelerates professional integration, helps anticipate developments in the Tunisian market, and builds a solid network, key to local success.

Joining Local and International Professional Associations

Joining local and international professional associations in Tunisia offers strategic advantages for expatriates, including the development of valuable contacts, access to market-specific resources, and concrete support for professional and social integration.

Main Benefits:

• Development of Valuable Contacts:
  • Participation in events, workshops, and forums that facilitate meeting local and international professionals.
  • Opportunities for mentorship, co-entrepreneurship, and business partnerships.
• Access to Tunisia-Specific Market Resources:
  • Updated information on legislation, taxation, and local professional practices.
  • Personalized advice for adapting professional strategy to the Tunisian context.
• Support for Integration and Adaptation:
  • Administrative support (work permits, taxation, housing).
  • Cultural, linguistic, and social activities to better understand the local environment.

Examples of Professional and Sectoral Associations in Tunisia:

Association	Sector / Target	Main Contributions to Expatriates
ANATE	Economic, Franco-Tunisian diaspora	Networking, business creation support, mentorship
Tunis Accueil	General welcome for French-speaking expatriates	Mutual aid network, practical information, cultural and social integration
UFE Tunisia	French abroad	Administrative support, networking events, legal assistance
Français du Monde-ADFE	French community	Social support, rights advocacy, cultural activities
AFS Tunisia	Intercultural exchanges (youth)	Exchange programs, cultural immersion, volunteering

For specific sectors (health, technology, education, etc.), there are local and international professional directories and groups allowing you to target your network according to your field of activity.

How to Register and Benefit from These Associations:

• Identify the Association that fits your profile via their websites, social networks, or through consulates and chambers of commerce.
• Fill Out the Membership Form available online or on-site, often accompanied by an annual fee.
• Actively Participate in events (workshops, conferences, after-work events, company visits).
• Use the Member Space to exchange information, request advice, or post service/job offers.
• Contact Directly the managers or reference members for specific needs (integration, job search, business creation).

Practical Tips to Optimize Integration and Strengthen Your Network:

• Regularly attend events and don’t hesitate to propose topics for presentations or workshops.
• Ask to join thematic discussion groups or sectoral committees.
• Offer your skills as a volunteer or speaker at events to increase your visibility.
• Use the member directory for targeted outreach.

Concrete Examples of Success Thanks to Associations:

• A French entrepreneur, member of ANATE, was able to set up a joint venture in Tunisia by finding his partner at a forum organized by the association.
• An expatriate, arriving alone in Tunis, found a job through a contact met at a Tunis Accueil workshop and later led workshops on professional integration.
• Several young participants in AFS programs not only gained intercultural experience but also developed a strong professional network, facilitating their entry into the local and international job market.

Key Takeaways:

Belonging to a local or international professional association is an accelerator for integration, professional opportunities, and understanding of the Tunisian context.

Regular participation in events and involvement in association life are keys to maximizing network development and succeeding in your expatriation.

The Subtleties of Professional Etiquette in Tunisia

Cultural differences specific to Tunisia strongly shape professional behaviors and require particular attention for anyone operating in this context, whether Tunisian or foreign.

Greetings and Polite Expressions

• Greetings: Tunisians generally prefer warm greetings, often including a firm handshake (between men) or a nod accompanied by a smile (between people of different genders, depending on the level of familiarity). It is common to exchange news about family or health before addressing the professional topic.
• Polite Expressions: The use of the formal “you” is systematic in a professional context, especially towards superiors or older individuals. Professional titles (“Doctor,” “Engineer,” “Director”) are frequently used to show respect.
• Importance of Titles: Titles hold strong symbolic value. Not using the appropriate title can be perceived as disrespectful. It is advisable to wait for the interlocutor to suggest switching to the informal “you.”

Meeting Management and Perception of Time

Aspect	Norm in Tunisia	Practical Advice
Punctuality	Relative, especially post-revolution and during Ramadan	Allow for a reasonable waiting period; avoid showing impatience
Meeting Flow	Often informal, with personal digressions	Be patient; accept that the agenda may be flexible
Decision-Making	Hierarchical, often centralized	Address the main decision-maker; avoid bypassing hierarchy

• Personal Relationships: The relational network (“piston” or connections) plays a key role in job access and professional progression. Cultivating strong personal relationships often facilitates administrative and commercial procedures.
• Role of Meals: Business lunches or dinners are common for establishing or strengthening ties. Refusing an invitation can be poorly perceived; it’s better to politely accept even if you don’t consume much.

Dress Code Norms

• In the Workplace: Dress code tends towards formal (suit and tie for men, tailored suit or modest dress for women), especially in banking and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Contextual Adaptation: In some creative or technological sectors, business casual attire is accepted. However, it’s better to prioritize modesty during initial meetings.
• Religious Respect: During Ramadan, it is appropriate to avoid any visible consumption of food or drink during the day in front of Muslim colleagues.

Respect for Hierarchy and Traditional Values

Hierarchy occupies a central place in the Tunisian work organization. Publicly questioning a superior can be frowned upon; it’s preferable to address disagreements or suggestions privately.

• Individual initiative is not always encouraged without prior validation by direct hierarchy.
• The family concept still strongly influences some managerial practices (family sponsorship).
• The importance given to hospitality translates into a warm welcome even during unexpected visits – refusing offered coffee/tea could offend your interlocutor.

Practical Tips for Social/Professional Events

• When invited to someone’s home as an official guest, always bring small symbolic gifts (local pastries).
• Avoid political/sensitive discussions during initial business contacts until mutual trust is established.
• If you are invited to eat together but cannot fully participate in fasting during Ramadan, simply explain your situation without causing discomfort at the table.
• Be attentive to unspoken gestures and facial expressions as indirect communication remains very present in the Tunisian professional environment.
• Learn a few basic Arabic phrases; this will be greatly appreciated and show your willingness for local cultural integration.

Approaches for Building Sustainable Business Relationships

Understanding local customs and cultural practices is essential for building sustainable business relationships in Tunisia. This knowledge helps avoid misunderstandings, respect customs (for example, punctuality, the importance of hierarchy, or forms of politeness), and adapt communication according to local expectations.

• Tip: Take the time to inform yourself about Tunisian social codes, notably the role of family networks and the importance of reputation.

Establishing mutual trust relies on regular personal interactions. In Tunisia, trust often develops during informal discussions, sometimes outside the strict professional framework.

• Tip: Multiply meetings, show interest in the other person by asking about their family or background, and value the relationship before the transaction.

The impact of face-to-face meetings is particularly strong in Tunisian business culture. In-person exchanges are perceived as a sign of seriousness and commitment.

• Tip: Prioritize travel for initial meetings, organize meetings in convivial settings (restaurants, professional lounges) to create a climate of trust.

Local networking events, such as forums, trade shows, or conferences, constitute privileged opportunities to establish strong initial connections.

• Tip: Actively participate in these events, prepare a clear presentation of your activities, and follow up quickly after the first contact.

To maintain these relationships long-term despite distance, it is necessary to remain present and involved.

Practical Tips:

• Send personalized messages during religious or national holidays.
• Organize regular virtual meetings.
• Share useful information or professional opportunities to show continuous interest.

Maintenance Strategy	Description
Personalized Messages	Wishing happy holidays, birthdays, important events.
Regular Virtual Meetings	Maintaining the relationship beyond physical meetings.
Sharing Opportunities	Informing the other of news or useful contacts.

Adapting to differences in communication and management styles is crucial for respectful and sustainable cooperation.

In Tunisia, communication is often more indirect and relational than in Northern Europe, for example. Respect for hierarchy is marked, and decision-making can be collective or require approval from a superior.

Tips:

• Observe and adapt to the tone, pace, and formality of exchanges.
• Value active listening and patience in discussions.
• Accept that negotiation may take time, prioritizing relationship quality over result urgency.

Important Text: To succeed in developing a professional network in Tunisia, it is imperative to combine knowledge of cultural specificities with a proactive and respectful approach, prioritizing trust, regularity of exchanges, and adaptability to local communication and management styles.